Heavy Metals Screening

What is a Heavy Metal?
Heavy metals are high-density metals found in the environment that can be both harmful (as detailed above) or beneficial to humans at certain levels, such as iron. These metals are easily transferred into our food supply and have become a growing health concern for hemp consumers.

Inhalation or ingestion of heavy metals can cause severe illness, including neurotoxicity, in humans. By nature, the hemp plant will accumulate metals and other elements from the air, soil, water, pesticides, and fertilizers in their cultivation environment—both outdoors and indoors. Heavy metals can also be introduced during the manufacturing process and can hide in surprising places such as in the hardware or final packaging of the product.

We Test for 20 Heavy Metals:

    • Auminum (Al),
    • Mercury (Hg)*
    • Barium (Ba)
    • Antimony (Sb)
    • Molybdenum (Mo)
    • Silver (Ag)
    • Arsenic (As)*
    • Nickel (Ni)
    • Beryllium (Be)
    • Selenium (Se)
    • Cadmium (Cd)*
    • Thallium (Tl)
    • Chromium (Cr)
    • Thorium (Th)
    • Cobalt (Co)
    • Copper (Cu),
    • Vanadium (V)
    • Lead (Pb)*
    • Zinc (Zn)
    • Manganese (Mn)

    * Indicates are required for certain compliance testing

Multi-Element
Simultaneous Analysis
ppb
Detection Limits
All Matrices
Water, Soil & Products
ISO 17025
Accredited

Testing Methodology & Details

Methods Used

  • ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry)
  • ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry)
  • EPA Methods 200.8, 6010, 6020, and others as applicable
  • Multi-element simultaneous analysis for efficiency and cost savings

Turnaround Time

Standard: 5–7 business days. Rush: 2–3 business days. Results are delivered via our secure online portal with full QA/QC documentation.

Compliance

All analyses are conducted under ISO 17025 accreditation using EPA-certified methods. Results are accepted for regulatory compliance, litigation support, and product safety documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What metals do you test for?
We test for a full spectrum of toxic and regulated metals including lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, chromium, barium, selenium, antimony, thallium, and more. Our multi-element ICP-MS analysis can screen for over 30 metals simultaneously, ensuring comprehensive coverage in a single analytical run.
Q: What sample matrices can be tested?
We analyze water (drinking, ground, surface, wastewater), soil and sediment, consumer products, cosmetics, food items, pharmaceuticals, and industrial materials. Sample preparation methods are tailored to each matrix to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Q: What are your detection limits?
Our ICP-MS instrumentation achieves detection limits in the parts-per-billion (ppb) and sub-ppb range for most metals. Specific reporting limits vary by element and matrix — contact us at (928) 985-9399 for the detection limit table relevant to your sample type.
Q: How are heavy metals samples collected?
Water samples should be collected in certified, metal-free containers and preserved with nitric acid if required by the method. Soil and solid samples are collected in clean polyethylene bags or jars. We provide sampling kits and detailed instructions to ensure sample integrity during collection and transport.
Q: Are your heavy metals results court-admissible?
Yes. Our ISO 17025 accreditation and documented chain-of-custody procedures ensure that results are defensible and admissible in legal and regulatory proceedings. We can provide expert testimony and detailed analytical documentation if required for litigation support.

Pricing & Ordering

View current pricing and order tests directly through our secure online portal.

Or call us directly: (928) 985-9399

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Comprehensive environmental screening and analysis services.

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