Microplastic Testing

Huntington Beach, California, August 10, 2023

State regulators in California recently announced plans for an addition to the list of chemicals that may be regulated under the state’s Safer Consumer Products Program (SCP). The announcement was the beginning of the process to inform the public of a potential regulatory proposal for microplastics.

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) reported in late April that it was proposing adding microplastics to the agency’s Candidate Chemicals List (CCL). According to DTSC: Scientific evidence is increasingly showing that tiny particles of plastics, known as microplastics, may harm people or the environment. Once they are released, either directly or from the breakdown of larger plastic items, microplastics persist and move in the environment. 

Microplastics are described by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as plastic fragments less than 5 mm in length. They are further categorized into primary and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics include microbeads, plastic pellets, and other manufactured raw plastic materials. Secondary microplastics are created when larger plastic items degrade into progressively smaller fragments.

There have been a number of research projects that have identified these materials in human and animal tissues. This is due to the fact they can be easily consumed and make their way through the digestive tract and into the bloodstream. Because of their tiny size, unique shapes, and chemical composition, they could cause a number of health issues that are not yet fully understood.

“DTSC declared that their actions are based on the reported impacts of microplastics on human health and the environment,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “At LA Testing, our consumer product and environmental testing laboratories offer microplastic identification services using a wide range of physical and chemical test methods. These services protect people and the environment, and help businesses comply with existing and future consumer product regulations.”

To learn more about this or other consumer product, material, environmental, health and safety testing resources, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental, indoor air quality and material testing for mercury, asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.