Our Services – Agrochemicals, Biocides & Chemicals
Indoor Exposure and Residue Assessment
Indoor exposure & Residue Assessment for biocidal products
The use of biocides for surface cleaning raises two main areas of concern:
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Residue transfer from treated surfaces to consumable products.
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Feed areas or animal housing following disinfection
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Food processing, packaging equipment and surfaces
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Rinse water used on equipment or surfaces, which may contain transformation products that could enter drinking water
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Direct human exposure to treated surfaces.
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Primary exposure: Direct contact during professional application
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Secondary exposure: Contact with treated surfaces by professionals (e.g. using equipment) or non-professionals (e.g. household use)
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Bespoke Risk Assessment and Surface Residue Testing:
Assessing biocide residues requires a worst-case evaluation, which can be achieved using model calculations or, preferably, measured data from bespoke experiments. The design of these experiments varies depending on the biocide product, its application, and the exposure scenario. In many cases, a bespoke experimental design is necessary to obtain meaningful, regulatory-compliant data.
CEMAS provides comprehensive support for:
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Biocide residue surface testing and rinsing efficiency studies
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Bespoke experimental designs to generate measured data for regulatory submissions or supporting information
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Development of analytical methods with the low limits of quantification required for accurate assessment
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Identification of biocide transformation and degradation products
Using highly sensitive techniques such as LC-MS/MS, HR-MS and GC-MS, we quantify low-level residues of common biocides, including quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATS), alcohols and hypochlorite. Assessments are performed in biocide-free areas with dedicated glassware to ensure data accuracy.
Measured surface residue data allow companies to demonstrate that rinse steps reduce residual biocides to safe levels. Where residue transfer results from professional use, products may be subject to Maximum Residue Level (MRL) regulations. Such data can often remove the need for additional testing in food products, while supporting regulatory compliance and risk assessment.
What Value Do We Offer?
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Proven expertise in biocide assessment: Our team has extensive experience in evaluating residues, exposure, and risk for a wide range of biocides and applications.
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Bespoke experimental design: Every study is tailored to the product and scenario, ensuring accurate, relevant, and regulatory-ready data.
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Advanced analytical capabilities: We use state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS and GC-MS methods to detect residues at extremely low levels.
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Comprehensive residue insight: Beyond parent biocides, we identify transformation and degradation products to provide a complete assessment.
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Regulatory support: Data generated by CEMAS can be used in submissions, supporting compliance with residue limits and risk assessment requirements.
Why choose CEMAS?
Science
Our scientists and study directors bring decades of experience and expertise
Compliance
GLP, GCP and GMP compliance to ensure that your regulatory needs are met
Delivery
Flexibility and responsiveness to your requirements, to provide quality data on time
Reliability
Quality and delivery are at the heart of all we do