Asbestos Testing Lab

Cinnaminson, NJ, June 22, 2017

Last month, CBS 12 in West Palm Beach, Florida published a story about public health concerns of residents who live near a large building renovation project. The project, at a multi-story condominium complex, began to worry neighbors when they noticed a white powdery dust. Complaints to the local health department resulted in an inspector visiting the worksite and a report that the required asbestos inspection did not take place before the project began.

Another story from May, reported by the Denver Business Journal, discussed an eight month prison term handed down to a senior corporate manager from an apartment management firm. The man was sentenced to jail and fined $100,000 after being charged last year for violating the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) requirement that certain types of structures be inspected for asbestos prior to renovation activities taking place.

Both of these recent news stories are important reminders that many commercial and residential properties built up until the 1970s still contain materials that have asbestos. The term “asbestos-containing material” means any material which contains more than 1% asbestos by weight.

Asbestos exposure can cause lung disease, asbestosis and mesothelioma, a type of cancer that is often fatal. In addition, if not handled with the proper safety precautions, asbestos fibers can remain on clothing and transfer to other surfaces such as upholstery and carpets, creating a danger of secondary exposure for others.

“By law and for the health and safety of workers of building occupants and people living nearby, many commercial building projects require an asbestos assessment before renovation, remodeling or demolition activities take place,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These same properties that often have asbestos also frequently contain lead-based paints and evens polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).”

To help companies stay in regulatory compliance and to protect workers and the public, EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides comprehensive testing from asbestos, lead, PCBs, mold and other potential hazards. They also provide all of the sampling supplies necessary and offer a wide range of air monitoring instruments. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about some of the indoor environmental hazards frequently associated with renovation and remodeling projects. It can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FERW7-hiSEM.

To learn more about EMSL’s material, environmental and indoor air quality (IAQ) testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. For access to indoor environmental quality test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.