Lead Testing Laboratory

Minnneapolis, MN, January 16^th , 2020

In late October, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) took action to cease operations related to the industrial production of lead products at a company the agencies claimed caused lead poisoning in workers’ children.

DLI issued a temporary order that required the manufacturing plant to cease operations related to industrial production of lead products following an on-site inspection earlier that month. The Commissioners of both agencies also asked a County District Court judge to issue an injunction extending the order until the court is satisfied that the necessary steps have been taken and maintained to prevent more lead poisoning cases.

On November 1^st, the judge approved a plan to allow the plant to reopen as it retrains workers, cleans up lead hazards and begins new procedures to safeguard workers and their families. At least 12 children of employees were reported to have elevated lead blood levels that the state agencies determined were the result of plant employees tracking lead dust back to their homes.

“Occupational exposure to lead has long been recognized as a health threat,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This is why there are a number of rules and regulations in place that are meant to protect workers and their families from exposure hazards. If these regulations are not followed, or if workers have no idea they are being exposed to lead, they and their families could be at risk of lead poisoning.”

The lead testing experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. offer lead testing services, sampling supplies and test kits for air, dust, soil, bulk and water samples. These services are also essential for companies to prevent plant shutdowns, noncompliance penalties and litigation costs that frequently accompany these types of events. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about secondary lead exposure risks for workers’ families that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/TSNaDLmdwXI.

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


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 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.