Trace Laboratories

Technical Spotlight - Bisphenol-A (BPA)
BPA is used to make polycarbonate plastics, including baby bottles, sports bottles, reusable food and drink containers, bicycle helmets, CDs and DVDs. It is also an ingredient in the epoxy resins used to line metal cans. A number of laboratory studies have linked BPA — a synthetic estrogen — to birth defects, low birth weight, cancer, early puberty and other health problems in rats. However, 11 safety agencies around the world have said that BPA is safe for use in food-contact applications.

Technical Spotlight - Organotins
Organotin compounds have been used as heat stabilizers in PVC, biocides, wood preservatives, and marine anti-fouling agents. There are 4 classes of organotins with tri-substituted organotin compounds having the most toxic effects on the environment. These compounds are endocrine-disruptors and cause severe reproductive effects in aquatic organisms. There are also concerns in regards to neurotoxic and immunotoxic effects in higher animals.

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Wastewater and Drinking Water Sampling and Analysis

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News

Trace Laboratories Expands Counterfeit Component Test Capabilities– posted 9.18.09

Hunt Valley, MD - With the addition of new Component Decapsulation equipment, Trace Laboratories, Inc., a full-service, internationally accredited, independent testing organization, has added to their existing X-Ray, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and X-Ray Fluorescence capabilities to increase capacity and add versatility to their Counterfeit Component Detection Services. Given the exponential growth in reported instances of purchased counterfeit components, Trace’s services are essential in verifying industrial supply chains.

The process to detect counterfeit components includes:

External Visual Examination to find defects or evidence of being a used part
Marking Authenticity Examination to ensure part is from the Original Component Manufacturer
X-Ray Fluorescence to detect for the presence of Lead (Pb) on component plating
X-Ray Inspection to nondestructively examine internal structure and die
Component Decapsulation and Internal Visual Examination to verify die authenticity
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Optical Microscopy to ensure no abnormalities are missed

Please contact: Trace Laboratories, Inc., 5 North Park Dr., Hunt Valley, MD, 21030. Phone: 410-584-9099. Fax: 410-584-9117. Web: www.tracelabs.com. Email: info@tracelabs.com.

About Trace Laboratories, Inc.: Established over 30 years ago, Trace offers state-of-the-art testing, qualification, analysis, automation, and training in the areas of compliance, life cycle testing, printed circuit board design and best practices. Trace Laboratories has the ability to design and fabricate automation equipment for long-term reliability testing. Trace Laboratories, Inc. has facilities in Baltimore, MD, Palatine, IL, Carthage, IL, and Shanghai, China.