Mass Spectrometry and Dioxin Analysis Laboratory

The Mass Spectrometry and Dioxin Analysis Laboratory has been operating since 2002 in the National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos”. It is equipped with specialized analytical instrumentation, suitable for the isolation and the determination of dioxins and PCBs in food/feed samples, biological fluids, and environmental samples and for trace analysis of other Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

The main research activities of the Laboratory include the development and application of mass spectrometry methods for the analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants related to health, medicine and the environment.

Τhe Laboratory conducts analysis of dioxins, furans and dioxin-like PCBs according to international protocols (EPA 1613, EPA 1668) after appropriate sample clean-up and quantification by high resolution mass spectrometry as specified by the relevant European Union Regulations.

The Laboratory is accredited according to ISO/EN 17025 by ESYD (Cert. No. 321) in the following fields :

• Dioxins and PCBs in food, feed, biological samples and air
• Perfluorinated compounds in food and biological samples
• Chlorinated pesticides in blood serum/plasma

The laboratory is the National Reference Laboratory of the European Union for the control of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds, perfluorinated compounds and brominated flame retardants and participates in the United Nations laboratories network for pollution monitoring by toxic organic compounds.

Collaboration has been established with the official bureaus of food, environment, prefectural authorities and health control organizations. The Laboratory provides also scientific support and contract services to food companies and producers.