Testing for Contaminants Types of Tests
Water testing
Water include items of natural origin and those
resulting from human activities. Common reasons for testing water may be the presence of unusual taste, appearance or odor, or the need to check the suitability of a new water supply for drinking, irrigation or other uses. Most routine water tests can detect common contaminants -- e.g., iron, nitrates or bacteria -- that are either esthetics or health concerns. Specialized tests are required to detect more unusual pollutants, such as pesticides or gasoline. Your local health department should be your first contact agency for water issues. (For more details on water testing, see Extension bulletin WQO2, Testing of Private Wells.)
Soil testing
For home gardeners, soil analysis provides guidelines on meeting the nutrient needs of lawns, fruits and vegetables. Analysis of your soil can also help you select the most effective and environmentally sound pesticide application rates for your conditions. Concerns about the physical and chemical properties of your soil, as well as possible contaminants, should be directed to your county Extension office. Questions about soil testing needed for the proper installation of septic or water systems should be directed to your local health
department.
Air testing
Most air testing is performed to detect particulates
and volatile (easily vaporized) compounds that may pose an environmental and/or health threat. If you suspect that the air in your home is contaminate by air particulates, such as asbestos fibers, or by volatile compounds, such as formaldehyde, you should contact your local health department. If it cannot provide test services, it can make referrals and may give you advice on what steps you can take to alleviate your concern. When you are concerned about exposure to particulates o volatiles in the workplace air, you should contact the Department of Public Health. If you have any questions about outdoor air quality, such as nearby emissions or peculiar odors, the Department of Natural Resources is the first agency to contact.
Feed and food testing
Foods and feeds are usually tested to determine
nutritional content and value or to detect contaminants, such as mold toxins or pesticides. Routine testing of commercially available foods and fee is the responsibility of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and is done to enforce regulations on nutritional content labeling and to determine if contaminants in foods and feeds exceed federal tolerance levels. Foods grown privately by farmers or gardeners for human or animal consumption are not routinely tested by regulatory agencies. In some instances, you may want to have food tested because of concern about contaminants that may
cause some adverse health effect -- e.g., pesticide
residues in fruits and vegetables or bacterial
contamination of dairy products. If you suspect
contamination of commercial or privately grown food,
contact the food Division of the Michigan Department of Agriculture or your local health department. Contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office, the Department of Agriculture (Food Division) or local veterinarian if you need information about nutritional or contaminant testing of feeds.
Plant/insect/nematode testing
Plant testing services include identification, disease diagnosis, nutrient composition determination and
some contaminant analysis. Analysis of insects and
nematodes is generally limited to identification of crop pests. Some inorganic and contaminant analysis of plants is done by private laboratories, while plant disease diagnosis and identification of plants, insects and nematodes is done at SU. Before requesting this testing, consult your county Extension office for advice.
Biological specimen testing
Testing of biological specimens (blood, urine,
tissue) is usually done only at the request of
professionals such as physicians and veterinarian. They may use the services of private, DPH or DA
laboratories, depending on the tests required and the circumstances of the situation, or they may perform the tests themselves. To reiterate, the majority of this biological specimen testing is performed under recommendations of a veterinarian or physician and is not directly available. At SU, however, the Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory does offer, to the public, consultation and testing services involving animal problems. Questions about biological testing should be directed to the appropriate professional -- e.g., physician or veterinarian.
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