TPCH Awarded Two Contracts for Testing Packaging

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) awarded two contracts to the Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) to conduct studies to evaluate laboratory performance in testing for toxics in packaging.

In June 2010, CA DTSC contracted with TPCH to perform a round-robin study to evaluate the performance of testing laboratories in determining compliance with toxics in packaging statutes, specifically focused on the potential for inconsistencies in testing results for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrices. A report on this study, as well as an industry guidance document, was published in July 2011. The goals of this testing project were 1) to increase awareness of the challenges and problems of obtaining consistent laboratory results, and 2) to stress the importance of communicating data quality objectives to laboratories.

In March 2011, TPCH received a second contract for $50,000 to evaluate analytical testing for glass and ceramic packaging by independent laboratories. The results of this study will be used by CA DTSC to develop and provide technical assistance and outreach to stakeholders on best practices for compliance testing under toxics in packaging statutes. TPCH expects to release a report on this study in the Fall 2012.

For more information, contact Patty Dillon, TPCH Program Manager.