Cinnaminson, New Jersey, April 3, 2023
April 1st through the 7th is recognized as Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW). This year marks the 19th GAAW which was started by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization to increase awareness about the dangers associated with exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a commercial name, not a mineralogical definition, given to a variety of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite and any of these materials that have been chemically treated or altered) according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). These minerals possess high tensile strength, flexibility, resistance to chemical and thermal degradation, and electrical resistance. Due to these attributes, they have been used for decades in thousands of commercial products, such as insulation and fireproofing materials, automotive brakes and textile products, and cement and wallboard materials to name a few. Unfortunately, asbestos can separate into microscopic-size particles that can remain in the air for an extended period of time and be inhaled.
“While asbestos is used in far fewer products today, due to their past use in so many different applications, asbestos-containing materials are still found in countless residential, commercial and institutional buildings in North America and across the globe,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “As these materials age and become friable, or are disturbed, they pose a health risk if the proper safety precautions have not been put in place. Anyone exposed to asbestos over time is at risk of developing life-threatening diseases. These may include asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.”
Dedicated to protecting workers and the public form asbestos exposure risks, and to help keep companies and institutions in compliance with health and safety regulations, EMSL Analytical offers quick and affordable material, industrial hygiene and environmental testing for asbestos. EMSL also provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment (PPE). Last year, EMSL sponsored an educational video about Global Asbestos Awareness Week that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/CBv3JSJXVdQ
To learn more about asbestos testing services and supplies, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. For access to asbestos and other indoor environmental quality (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.
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