Columbia Basin Analytical Laboratories is one of the only commercial labs in the country that offers digestion technology specifically aimed at the dissolution of a particularly dangerous, persistent, and difficult analyte: beryllium – particularly, in the form of High Fired Beryllium Oxide (BeO). Our unique accredited process for industrial hygiene analysis exhibits measurable dissolution of BeO versus the traditional digestion techniques that only provide ~70% recovery on average1. We perform analysis of bulk samples, surface wipe samples, and air samples, all with detection limits more than 10 times lower than required by OSHA regulations.
In addition to our beryllium IH analysis, we are the only commercial laboratory to offer a state-of-the-art beryllium analysis technique known as Beryllium Metals Ratio Analysis (BeMR or “beamer”), which differentiates between naturally occurring mineral beryllium in windblown dust (considered innocuous to human health) and extremely hazardous and harmful “man-made” forms of beryllium. Proprietary digestion, analytical, and interpretive methodology provides a robust and sensitive analysis with detection limits a number of times at or below OSHA exposure limits, while simultaneously identifying the nature of the contamination. The ability to differentiate harmful from inert forms enables IH professionals to better protect their employees and provides an opportunity to reduce wasted time and money spent on unnecessary decontamination.
To view our Beryllium handout, please click here.
1According to a 2009 round robin study conducted by the Beryllium Health and Safety Committee and AIHA.