TestAmerica PPCP Expert Provides Correlative Results on Triclosan and Polychlorinated Dioxins and Furans at the 2010 Dioxin Symposium

Michael Flournoy, Technical Director of TestAmerica’s West Sacramento laboratory, will reveal recent findings on the correlation between triclosan, a commonly used anti-bacterial agent in personal care products, and potentially hazardous polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) in water. The presentation will be given at the Dioxin 2010 Symposium during the week of September 12-17, 2010 in San Antonio, TX.

The U.S. EPA has listed triclosan as one of the analytes of concern for Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) under the EPA Method 1694. Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent that was developed 40 years ago for hospital and invasive medical disinfection procedures. The ingredient is currently used in a wide variety of personal care products, including antibacterial soap, shampoo, and deodorants.

Chlorine is typically added to swimming pools, wastewater treatment, and drinking water manufacturing process to destroy bacteria. Published studies have shown that the chemical reaction in an environment with water, sunlight, chlorine, and triclosan, can result in the formation of chloroform or possibly toxic PCDD/Fs. The presentation will provide results from TestAmerica’s study linking the association between triclosan and PCDD/F concentrations under various conditions, using water samples from the Sacramento, CA area. The study includes analysis of controlled water samples fortified with triclosan and chlorine, which were then exposed to sunlight for a specific number of days.

Mr. Flournoy has over 20 years of environmental laboratory experience and is TestAmerica’s technical expert on PPCPs. He has actively contributed to the specialty method development of steroids, hormones, antibacterial products, over-the-counter (OTC) medication, and other Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (Modified EPA Method 1694 and 1698). Mr. Flournoy has also led the development of High Resolution GC/MS Pesticide and Toxaphene, which is equivalent to the EPA Method 1699. To submit an inquiry to Mr. Flournoy, please visit his profile on TestAmerica’s Ask the Expert page at www.testamericainc.com.


About TestAmerica

TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, including 36 laboratories and 33 service centers. TestAmerica provides innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source and ambient air, aquatic toxicity, explosives, specialty organics, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, emerging contaminants, radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.

TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; TestAmerica Drilling Corp., provider of innovative environmental and geotechnical drilling; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.

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