Environmental Testing Labs Basics

Learn how environmental testing can help you achieve greater efficiency and peace of mind

Environmental testing laboratories help protect the public, businesses and homeowners by testing for common hazards to human health, but that isn't the limit of what they can do. Issues of performance and efficiency are also an important part of the work done at environmental laboratories, which also play an important role in ensuring clean water and the success of crops and gardens.

Whether for home or business purposes, it pays to know environmental testing labs basics. Always contact the lab for instructions on how to obtain a sample and to determine whether you need to use a special container. If you will be shipping the sample, make sure you package it properly.

Environmental testing companies commonly test samples of water, air and soil. Here are the common tests environmental labs routinely run:

1. Environmental labs test water for bacteria to determine the safety of wells.

2. Environmental labs test air for mold, bacteria or asbestos, depending on the situation.

3. Labs routinely test soil for ph, salinity and organic matter content.

 

Learn about water testing done by environmental laboratories

Water testing is essential for municipal water suppliers and private well owners. A local environmental testing service needs to conduct the tests, because transit time is an issue when measuring for bacteria levels.
Try: UCD ExtoxNet gives a clear list of reasons to test whether you have a private or public water supply. The Institute of Water Research at Michigan State University has detailed information about what tests a private well owner should hire an environmental testing lab for, how often to run tests and how to use the results.

Test your air using an environmental testing laboratory

Whether it is indoor air or emissions testing, air testing protects people from health hazards.
Try: Read more about indoor air quality and testing from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). IndoorAirTest.com offers a variety of test kits for testing indoor air quality. Air Pollution Testing offers emissions testing for industries.

Manage your crop or garden with environmental testing laboratories

Test your soil, plant tissues or the manure you use as fertilizer.
Try: Colorado State University has detailed information about selecting a lab and the importance of soil and manure testing. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers specific information on how to collect soil samples and the tests that environmental labs routinely run. The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers soil and fertilizer testing geared towards the economical use of soil resources.

 

• Hazardous materials testing is also a key service provided by environmental testing labs. This involves the classification of materials used in manufacturing so that workers handle them safely and all appropriate data is available in case of an unforeseen problem.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---