Press Releases at EMSL

So far in 2015, over 1,000 demolition applications have been submitted in Vancouver. Hundreds of homes each year in the area are demolished or renovated to meet an increased housing demand. Under provincial law, before any type of demolition work can begin, proper testing for hazardous materials must be completed on the home. This includes taking multiple samples from numerous locations within the home to test for hazardous substances, such as asbestos. Once samples have been analyzed, contractors can submit the results in order to obtain the proper permits to move forward with demolition.  

Homes built before the 1970s used asbestos heavily from a variety of materials including tiles, vinyl flooring, ceilings, and pipe insulation. When these items are disturbed during removal, tiny fibers may be released into the air. Without proper protection, the fibers can be inhaled causing health issues like lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.  

“Asbestos removal is a regulated industry because of how dangerous exposure can be,” stated Ed Cahill, Vice President of the Asbestos Division at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It may take years for side effects of exposure to appear. For this reason, it is extremely important that asbestos be handled properly. Those working with asbestos-containing materials should wear the correct safety gear and need to properly dispose of asbestos. At EMSL, we offer the sampling supplies, protective gear and testing services for asbestos in bulk materials, dust, water, and air samples.”  

EMSL Canada’s Vancouver laboratory is one of five locations in Canada that offers asbestos testing services. To view a complete list of EMSL’s laboratory locations, accreditations and capabilities, please visit www.EMSL.com.  

For more about EMSL Canada, Inc.’s testing services please visit www.EMSLCANADA.ca, email info@emsl.com, or call 800.220.3675. To contact the Vancouver laboratory directly, please call 604-757-3158.  

EMSL offers free posters on a variety of topics. Click here for a free Asbestos poster.  

EMSL Canada is an internationally recognized provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.