Cinnaminson, New Jersey, January 26
th, 2022
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that that was used in many building materials in the past. Materials containing it are most likely to be found in homes and buildings constructed between approximately the 1930s through the 1970s. Asbestos was used in some roofing, siding, insulation, flooring, and even textured paints and painting compounds. In fact, some reports indicate it was used in over 3,000 materials.
People can be exposed to asbestos fibers through inhalation or ingestion when asbestos-containing materials become friable or are disturbed during renovation, remodeling, and demolition activities. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer that may not appear for decades.
“Many homeowners don’t recognize the risks they could be putting themselves and their families in when it comes to asbestos and renovation activities, especially with DIY projects,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Home repair and renovation projects that disturb asbestos-containing materials can aerosolize asbestos fibers creating a hazard. The same holds true for lead-based paints. Homeowners need to be aware of this before they begin any projects. Fortunately, testing suspect materials for asbestos or lead offers a quick way to determine if it is present so these materials can then be handled properly by qualified professionals.”
EMSL Analytical, with dozens of laboratories across the United States and Canada, has been a leading provider of asbestos, lead, and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services for decades. Their experts help to identify materials and environmental samples that contain these and many other exposure risks. These services help to protect everyone involved in repair, demolition, construction, and remodeling activities.
Several years ago, EMSL sponsored an educational video about potential renovation and remodeling exposure hazards that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/1ENInekpUy8
To learn more about asbestos or other environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To access asbestos, lead or other IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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.