Asbestos Testing Services

Wallingford, Connecticut, April 12, 2023

Last month, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) announced it had ordered the evacuation of 69 residents from a skilled nursing facility in the state. The agency reported that in parts of the nursing facility, flooring was removed as part of a renovation project which was not tested for asbestos prior to removal.

DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, stated that the condition of the facility’s South Center and North Center Nursing Units posed an imminent danger to the health, safety and welfare of the residents. DPH officials also stressed that the Environmental Protection Agency requires facility owners or operators to inspect facilities for asbestos in advance of renovations. Contractors were also warned not to start any renovations where asbestos is present and may be disturbed by the renovation without providing an asbestos abatement notification to DPH.

In addition to evacuating the residents, DPH has ordered asbestos testing of all flooring materials throughout the building and in the dumpster. Other orders include the immediate stop of new admissions and the facility cannot resume work until a work plan is submitted for review and receives DPH’s approval.

“Older flooring, including sheet vinyl, floor tiles, adhesives, glues and any associated paper-like backing may contain asbestos,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The only way to know for sure if floor tiles or other suspect materials contain asbestos is to have it tested. Fortunately, testing is affordable and quick. At EMSL, we have an asbestos testing laboratory in Connecticut and dozens more across the United States and Canada that offer material, industrial hygiene and environmental testing services. We also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE). These resources help to safeguard workers and building occupants, while also helping to keep companies in regulatory compliance.”

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