Monitoring chemical and biological agents

Chemical agents covered by industrial hygiene are all those elements or chemical compounds intentionally and unintentionally produced by any work activity. Biological agents are pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms and microorganisms, which can be ingested, absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Mérieux NutriSciences performs sampling and analysis of chemical pollutants that can be detected in the workplace, typically organic contaminants (aromatic organic substances, chlorates, etc.) and inorganic contaminants (metals, acids, ammonia, aldehydes, etc.).

In industrial environments subject to reclamation, assessments are made to obtain the GAS-FREE certification (concentration of oxygen, explosiveness, concentration of reclaimed compounds and visual inspection) as well as measurements of the concentration of odors in cases related to olfactory discomfort or for environmental checks in cases of post-reclamation pollution, fire, etc., thanks to the use of specific portable equipment.

Mérieux NutriSciences samples and analyzes artificial mineral fibers thanks to the Phase-Contrast Microscopy (an accredited analytical technique), and asbestos thanks to the Electronic Scanning Microscopy.

With regard to biological pollution, Mérieux NutriSciences determines the contamination stemming from bacteria, fungi, Legionella, etc. on specific culture media and through the use of SAS sampler for the detection of the aero-dispersed microbiological component or on swabs or contact plates for the evaluation of the microbiological component on surfaces or in water for human use.