Laboratory service
IOM analyses metals in air, soil, paint, water and other samples, providing clear evidence to help you understand the findings, assess risk and decide what action to take.
Service overview
Metals can be present in workplace air, surface deposits, soil, paint, water and other materials. Without reliable analysis, it can be difficult to identify what is present, understand the risk or decide what action is needed.
Exposure to certain metals can cause serious health effects, including damage to the lungs, kidneys and nervous system. Some metals can also cause cancer. The level of risk depends on the metal, its concentration and how exposure occurs.
IOM identifies and measures metals in a range of workplace, environmental and material samples, including:
Lead-based paint may still be present in older buildings, particularly properties built before the early 1990s. It can be found on surfaces including doors, window frames, railings, pipes and radiators.
Removing or disturbing lead paint can release dust, fumes or paint chips that may be inhaled or swallowed. Lead is highly toxic and can affect the blood, kidneys and nervous system. Children are particularly vulnerable to its effects.
Testing before refurbishment, maintenance or demolition work can identify whether lead is present and help you plan the work safely. IOM analyses paint fragments to determine their lead content and provides clear advice on the appropriate next steps.
Practical support
Our laboratory specialists help you choose the right sampling and analytical approach. We can provide suitable sampling media, analyse a range of samples and explain the findings clearly.
Where workplace exposure needs further investigation, our laboratory team and occupational hygienists can work together to help you understand and manage the risk.
We provide clear results to help you:
Need to identify metals or lead paint in your workplace? Talk to our laboratory team about the most appropriate testing approach.
Measure solvents and volatile organic compounds in workplace air to assess exposure, investigate odours and identify unknown chemicals.
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Identify asbestos and other fibres in materials, soils, air and other samples, with clear interpretation of the results.
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Measure workplace dust and quantify crystalline silica to help you understand exposure and manage risk.
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