Chemistry provides direct and reference laboratory services to state and federal governmental agencies to determine, prevent and treat conditions caused by chemical contamination of the environment including water, soil, air and food.  In order to protect the health and welfare of the people of Arizona, environmental samples are tested for the presence of pollutants as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or the State of Arizona.  Chemistry also responds to potential public health emergencies by testing samples for potentially harmful containments.

Analyzes hazardous materials and soils contaminated with hazardous materials according to EPA guidelines, characterizes unknowns for emergency response situations, performs lead analyses in environmental samples and blood for the State’s childhood lead poisoning prevention program.

Analyzes various types of water samples (ground, drinking, surface and waste) for the presence of inorganic constituents such as trace metals, nutrients and minerals. Acts as a resource of information regarding inorganic analyses for water samples.

Analyzes water and soil samples for the presence of organic chemical contaminants or pollutants such as pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), other synthetic organic chemicals and solvents. Serves as a resource for methodology for this testing according to EPA guidelines.  Analyzes water and soil samples for the presence of organic chemical contaminants or pollutants such as pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), other synthetic organic chemicals and solvents. Serves as a resource for methodology for this testing according to EPA guidelines.

Analyzes samples for their effect on individuals through the presence of contaminants in their environment.