Toxin Testing

Submitted by Brian Kovol, NAFWS Contractor.

Due to concerns about possible contaminants in customary and traditional foods in Alaska and on tribal lands, attention has been directed to identifying and assessing risks to tribal community members. The Society and Sitka tribe of Alaska have been working for two years to study possible risks associated with harvesting wild foods near local industry. A wide variety of chemical tests were used on drinking water, local foods, and soil. The majority of the lab analysis was performed by Columbia Analytical Services. (Note, many labs can perform testing, while helping decide what tests are necessary and guidelines for proper sampling and shipment.) The majority of samples were analyzed for heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, and Dioxin compounds. Dioxins, Poly Chlorinated Bi-Phenol Hydrocarbons, (PCBs), and Poly-Aromatic Hydrocarbons, (PAHs) are problematic because of their toxicity and environmental persistence.

This study used a fast, new, inexpensive test known as the P450 RGS bioassay (P450) to determine Dioxins, PCBs, and PAHs concentrations. Standard tests for these compounds can be costly, with dioxin tests averaging about $1000. each. Columbia Analytical Laboratories developed the P450 as an inexpensive test to provide rapid, sensitive screening for Dioxins, furans, PCBs and some PAHs. A standard P450 test may cost as little as $150. It may be used for soil, water and tissue samples. The results are expressed as benzopyrene or dioxin equivalents, commonly used in the risk assessment process.

The P450 test is an accepted method that has been approved by the state, US Environmental Protection Agency, US Navy, Army Corps of Engineers, and NOAA.

For more information, contact Jack Anderson at Columbia Analytical at (619) 930-0417.