Winter 2007 Newsletter
Q & A with John Midkiff
This issue’s featured researcher is John Midkiff, a senior analytical chemist who has worked at Chemir Analytical Services for almost 7 years. John has been heading up our heavy metals testing projects, including the lead testing of toys in our last issue. John was happy to sit down with us for a few minutes to share his experiences.
Q: What analytical techniques do you conduct at Chemir?
JM: I primarily perform metals analysis using Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma Spectroscopy (ICP), Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (AES) and Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (CVAA). Additionally I perform anion analysis by Ion Chromatography (IC), and I have a strong background in wet chemistry methods.
Q: Where did you work before Chemir?
JM: My first job in the industry was working for 7-Up and Dr. Pepper/7-Up after the two companies merged. My duties included Quality Control for raw materials and finished products, product development and problem solving. I mainly used various wet chemistry techniques but also used a Flame AA and UV/VIS Spectrophotometry. I then moved to an environmental company and started in the Organic Prep Lab, preparing sample for analysis and performing some analysis by UV/VIS. I eventually moved to the Inorganic Lab and learned Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption (GFAA), IC, ICP and eventually became a Laboratory supervisor. My next job was working for a chemical company, HCI America, where I performed Quality Control on raw materials and finished products. We also performed some product deformulation there. Once again, I utilized wet chemistry methods, CVAA, UV/VIS and Gas Chromatography (GC). Finally, I took a job at Bodycote-St. Louis where I worked in the Inorganic Lab, utilizing wet chemistry methods, ICP, AA and UV/VIS. When the company was purchased by Chemir I was fortunate enough to be offered a position and am still part of the team.
Q: How long have you been working in this field?
JM: I have been working in the field over 22 years and got into it almost by accident. When I began college I had planned to get my degree and go on to Dental School. Eventually I decided that was not the best career option for me and began looking for a job to tide me over until I decided what I wanted to do. I got hired on at 7-Up, decided I liked what I was doing, and stayed in the industry. I enjoy learning new methods and techniques and delivering the best results I can.
Q: What do you like most about working at Chemir?
JM: Chemir is a great match for my personality. I get bored doing routine work, which is never a problem here. I derive a great deal of satisfaction from any project that challenges me. My favorite projects are those that draw me out of my comfort zone and force me to try alternative techniques, especially if it involves a matrix that is difficult to analyze or digest.
Q: You recently analyzed for lead in the paint of children’s toys. Have there been other products that you’ve tested for lead where it shouldn’t be present?
JM: I have been testing a large number of products recently that have painted surfaces. In addition to the toys already mentioned, I have tested candle tins, home furnishings and decorative packaging containers, to name a few. One family had us test their antique china for the presence of heavy metals. Many people don’t realize that the glazes on these products frequently contained concentrations of heavy metals that become harmful with continued use.
Q: What is the most difficult chemical matrix you’ve analyzed by ICP/IC/AA?
JM: I would have a hard time selecting one matrix in particular that is the most difficult. There are a number that are very problematic. These include various polymers and resins, silicon based matrices and many oxides. We frequently need to employ several digestion techniques to prepare the digestates, and some oxides are particularly resistant to acids. High concentration metals present challenges due to their tendency to interfere with other elements. That is something we are always aware of and continually watch for.