---
type: "WebPage"
title: "Analysis and characterization of OEB1, OEB2, OEB3 and OEB4 substances in the laboratory"
description: "You would like to carry out the analysis and characterization of OEB1, OEB2, OEB3 and OEB4 substances Analysis and characterization of OEB1 to OEB4 substances in the laboratory The pharmaceutical, cosmetics, chemical or biotechnology industries handle substances whose acceptable exposure..."
resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory/characterization-oeb-substances/"
tags: ["EN", "pll_693046af48dc5", "Anaïs DECAUX"]
timestamp: "2025-12-31T08:29:10Z"
published: "2025-12-03T15:28:34Z"
language: "en"
author: "Laure Durieux"
---

# Analysis and characterization of OEB1, OEB2, OEB3 and OEB4 substances in the laboratory

## You would like to carry out the analysis and characterization of OEB1, OEB2, OEB3 and OEB4 substances

### Analysis and characterization of OEB1 to OEB4 substances in the laboratory

The [pharmaceutical](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/analysis-industry-pharmaceuticals.md), [cosmetics](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics.md), [chemical](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory.md) or biotechnology industries handle substances whose acceptable exposure level for operators must be strictly controlled. The OEB (Occupational Exposure Band) assessment and classification makes it possible to define good handling practices and the necessary containment levels.

### Our OEB1 to OEB4 analysis and characterization services

#### Chemical analysis and identification of substances

- Identification and quantification of molecules
- [Search and dosage of impurities](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-detection-identification-impurities.md)
- Detection of [traces](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/laboratory-analysis-trace-chemicals.md) and [residues](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-deposit-contamination/laboratory-analysis-residue-characterization.md)
- [Purity](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-deposit-contamination/purity-analysis-laboratory.md) control and material conformity
- Determination of complex chemical profiles

#### Advanced material characterization

- [Comparative analysis of formulations](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/problem-solving-related-research-and-development/problem-solving-related-to-the-formulation.md)
- [Determination of thermal properties](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/laboratory-analysis-thermal-thermogravimetric/)
- Study of structure, [morphology](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-characterization/laboratory-analysis-morphology/) and microstructure
- [Granulometric analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-granulometric-analysis.md) of powders or solids
- Control of thermal or physico-chemical stability
- Comparative analysis of formulations

#### Expertise support and R&D projects

- Investigations in the event of a [product defect](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/finding-solutions-problems/do-you-have-a-material-defect-filab-can-help-you-solve-your-problem.md) or process deviation
- [Stability study](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/health-pharmaceutical-cosmetics/stability-testing-medications-and-active-ingredients.md) or [ageing study](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/filab-accelerated-ageing-test-laboratory/)
- [Analytical development](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/analytical-development.md) or optimization of analytical methods
- Validation of methods according to standard or specific protocols
- Interpretation of results and recommendations for improvement

### Our technical means for the analysis and characterization of OEB1, OEB2, OEB3 and OEB4 substances

  [### Mass spectrometry

LC-MS/MS, GC-MS](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/biopharmaceutical/analysis-lipid-formulations.md) [### Chromatography

HPLC, GC, IC](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/gas-chromatography-analysis-lab-gc.md) [### Spectroscopy

FTIR, Raman, UV](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-ftir-spectroscopy.md) [### Elementary analysis

ICP-OES, ICP-MS, CHNSO analyzer](https://filab.fr/nos-moyens-techniques/laboratoire-danalyses-par-icp-icp-ms-et-icp-aes-icp-oes.md)
## The FILAB laboratory supports manufacturers in the analysis and characterization of OEB1, OEB2, OEB3 and OEB4 substances

### Why choose FILAB for the analysis and characterization of OEB1, OEB2, OEB3 and OEB4 substances

At the [Filab](https://filab.fr/en/) laboratory, we support manufacturers in the **analysis, identification, quantification** and **complete characterization** of substances classified OEB1, OEB2, OEB3 and OEB4, thanks to a modern analytical park and extensive expertise in chemistry, materials and process safety.

### Why analyze a substance classified as EPO?

  ![extractibles relargables](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/comptage-contaminants-particulaires.png)
 

Manufacturers call on us for several reasons:

 

- Check material conformity before production
- Characterize an active principle or a highly [active substance](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-deformulation-analysis-reverse-engineering/deformulation-active-ingredient-laboratory.md)
- Identify an [impurity](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-detection-identification-impurities.md) or [contamination](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-particulate-contaminant.md)
- Assess potential exposure in a production environment
- Control incoming or outgoing batches
- Meet a regulatory requirement (GMP, [REACH](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-reach-analysis.md), [pharmacopoeias](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/analysis-industry-pharmaceuticals/laboratory-analysis-pharmacopeia.md), etc.)
- Understand a deviation, product defect or process problem

 

Each analysis aims to guarantee **operator safety**, **product quality** and **control of industrial risks**.

### Industrial applications of OEB substance analysis

pharmaceutical ([API](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/health-pharmaceutical-cosmetics/laboratory-analysis-api.md), HPAPI, impurities, etc.)

chemical (intermediates, catalysts, solvents, etc.)

[additive](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-additives.md) materials or technical excipients

cosmetic (active ingredients, [UV filters](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics/laboratory-for-the-analysis-of-sunscreens-in-cosmetic-products.md), pigments, etc.)

biotechnology

We work daily with R&D, HSE, quality, purchasing, production or control departments to help them secure their processes and improve the control of their materials.

## FAQ

 What is an EPO substance?
The OEB (Occupational Exposure Band) is a classification system used to group substances according to their level of hazard and the risk of exposure for workers.

- **OEB1: Low hazard**
- **OEB2: Moderate hazard**
- **OEB3: High hazard**
- **OEB4: Very high hazard / highly active substances**

These OEB classes require high-performance analytical tools and a suitable intervention framework to guarantee personnel safety and the reliability of the results.

 How do I know if my substance is classified as OEB1, OEB2, OEB3 or OEB4?
The OEB classification depends on toxicological data, the acceptable exposure limit (OEL), and the intrinsic toxicity of the molecule. If you do not have this information, our teams can help you analyze your substance's profile and guide you toward the appropriate exposure class.

 What analysis should be performed for an OEB substance?
Depending on your needs, we can identify a molecule, quantify impurities, characterize a formulation, control purity, verify contamination, or perform thermal, morphological, or elemental studies. Our engineers will guide you toward the most relevant analytical plan.

 What types of industrial problems can you solve?
- Anomaly in a batch or change in material behavior,
- unexpected contamination or impurity,
- formulation defect,
- stability or aging problem,
- inconsistency between suppliers,
- quality drift in production.