Soaps are made of fats and oils reacted with lye while body washes are primarily made of water and surfactants. Most bar soaps have a pH of around 9 which can be drying while body washes ideally have a pH of about 5.5 which is similar to a person’s skin pH. While soaps and shower washes come in an abundance of scents, some people prefer unscented. This application will compare the volatile and semi-volatile components in unscented soap and body wash.

Effective Sept 8, 2020 the EPA is updating the test methods required for measuring the flash point of a liquid waste when determining if that waste is an ignitable waste (i.e., SW-846 Method 1010A (Pensky-Martens) or Method 1020B (Setaflash).  Second, EPA is codifying existing guidance regarding the definition of aqueous for purposes of 40 FR 261.21(a)(1).  Third, updating cross references to Department of transportation (DOT) regulations and also making certain other conforming amendments and technical corrections. Finally, EPA is adding mercury thermometers alternatives in the air sampling and stack emissions test methods, specifically Methods 0010, 0011, 0020, 0023A, and 0051.

The new guidance on sample holding times for the SW-846 program is: Holding times for sample preparation and analysis greater than or equal to 7 days have been met if the sample is prepared or analyzed by the end of the last day or month of the specified maximum holding time. For example, a sample collected on a Tuesday is considered to have met a specified 7-day holding time as long as it is prepared or analyzed by the end of the day on the following Tuesday. A sample collected in January is considered to have met a specified 6

Today Cannabis testing labs are banned from receiving the SBA Cares Act loan..  However, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO)  have introduced a bill designed to provide relief efforts for Cannabis testing labs. https://cannabisindustryjournal.com/feature_article/emergency-cannabis-small-business-health-and-safety-act-a-legislative-update/  

https://www.astm.org/MEETINGS/index.html

EST remains an essential business.  We are available for your analytical testing needs.  Currently there are no delays in instrument order or parts fulfillments.  Onsite service is dependent upon each state’s regulation and is variable.  Critical spare parts and consumables can be shipped on an urgent basis, subject to stock availability. EST is committed to ensure a continuity of supply and support to all our customers.   Together we will overcome this COVID-19 crisis.