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Burst Pipe Leads to the Discovery of Asbestos in a School’s Gym Floor

Asbestos Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	3/9/2023
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Burst Pipe Leads to the Discovery of Asbestos in a School’s Gym Floor
Introduction	EMSL Analytical provides laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, test kits and personal protective equipment to identify and mitigate exposure risks to asbestos-containing materials.
Cinnaminson, New Jersey, March 9, 2023 Multiple media outlets recently reported on the temporary closure of a middle school gym in a suburb of Chicago. During the extreme cold temperatures recently experienced in the area, a pipe burst causing extensive damage to the gym floor which was then found to contain asbestos. While most flooring materials that contain asbestos are not a health risk when they are in good condition, as they age and become friable, or are disturbed, they could release asbestos fibers into the air. The Minnesota Department of Health cautions that old flooring, including sheet vinyl, vinyl or asphalt floor tiles, and any associated paper-like backing, mastic, adhesive or glue, may contain asbestos. “Asbestos was once added to many different types of floor tiles and associated materials during the manufacturing process to increase their strength and durability,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Unfortunately, there are still many schools, commercial buildings and even homes that have flooring materials that contain asbestos. Exposure to asbestos fibers over time can lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. The only way to know for sure if floor tiles, mastics or glues contain asbestos is to have them tested.” School districts, universities, businesses and property owners across the United States and Canada can turn to EMSL Analytical for all of their asbestos testing needs, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment. Material and indoor environmental testing is instrumental for identifying exposure risks, monitoring abatement projects, and for post clearance testing to ensure a project has been completed properly to ensure building occupant safety. These services also help to keep companies and institutions in regulatory compliance. To learn more about asbestos or other material and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. For access to IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. About EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 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, VOCs, 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.