TERRY CAIN: terence-cain@uiowa.edu
SARAH MAY: sarah-may@uiowa.edu
Human activities often have a significant impact
on the environment. Contaminants that infiltrate
our natural resources can be detrimental to the
health of both humans and animals. The Organic
Chemistry section analyzes air, soil, water,
vegetation and food to identify and measure
potentially toxic organic compounds, such as
plasticizers, pesticides, personal care products,
pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals. Testing is conducted for state agencies, public
water supplies, county public health departments,
businesses and private citizens. Routine
environmental monitoring is conducted to evaluate
the ongoing health of Iowa’s environment, while
responsive testing is conducted to determine the
risk of human and animal exposure in the event of
environmental catastrophes. Analysis for organic compounds is conducted
using highly specialized methods and
instrumentation in order to detect very low levels
of organic compounds. New testing methods are
implemented as new threats emerge, such as the
possible presence of hormones and steroids in
drinking water. Organic Chemistry sections of the lab include Gas
Chromatography Analysis and Liquid Chromatography
Analysis, so named for the technology used in the
analyses of various samples to determine organic
contaminants. A gas chromatograph is used to
analyze relatively low molecular weight organic
compounds that can be vaporized by heating, while a
liquid chromatograph can detect extremely low levels
of compounds that have a higher molecular weight
and are not as easily vaporized.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Completed design of new Quality Control Chart reports for all Environmental Health Division QC types utilizing the laboratory’s OpenELIS information system to provide efficient visual representation and in-depth statistical analysis of Quality Control data.
- Developed a new electronic system for tracking and labeling the large number of chemical solutions produced in the laboratory.
- Participated in the Iowa Fish Tissue Monitoring Program in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The program tested different types of fish from multiple sites for contaminants that can bioaccumulate, including mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, chlordane and dieldrin.
PUBLISHED
- Lab Manager Magazine, Ask the Expert: A discussion of HPLC and GC environmental testing techniques, April 2016, Volume 11, Number 3, Page 50, Terry G. Cain and Michael D. Wichman.
(GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY)
(LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY)
Other Units in Environmental Health
The Office of the Director consists of 10 key functional units that enable the State Hygienic Laboratory to achieve its statutory charge set forth in the Iowa Administrative Code.
The primary mission of the Disease Control Division is to test human specimens, food and water for diseases of public health significance to protect the citizens of Iowa.
The Environmental Health Division monitors drinking water, wastewater, air, soil and food for contaminants of potential environmental and public health concern.
The Division of Administration and Finance is responsible for the management of the business practices, all Hygienic Laboratory facilities, and pre/post testing support.