Silica Testing

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Cinnaminson, New Jersey, August 31, 2023

Virtually every home and building contains drywall, also commonly referred to as sheetrock or gypsum wallboard. In the vast majority of these structures, drywall covers most, if not all, walls and ceilings so any renovation, remodeling or construction activities are likely to involve disturbing at least some of it.

 

For decades prior to the 1980s, asbestos was used in some drywall, joint compounds and even in texturing materials, such as some popcorn ceilings. These materials may not be a hazard when left alone, but taking down walls and ceilings, removing popcorn ceilings, and other actions that involve disturbing these materials during projects could create exposure risks for workers or anyone in the home or building. Exposure to asbestos fibers can result in lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

 

Drywall and assorted materials, even in brand new construction, could also put workers at risk of exposure to silica dust. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) warns that construction workers who sand drywall joint compound are often exposed to high concentrations of dusts and, in some cases, respirable silica. The agency goes on to caution that over time, breathing the dust from drywall joint compounds may cause persistent throat and airway irritation, coughing, phlegm production and breathing difficulties similar to asthma.

 

“If workers are exposed to respirable silica they could be at increased risk of developing silicosis and lung cancer,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, our laboratories located across North America offer material, industrial hygiene and environmental testing for asbestos, silica and many other occupational exposure risks. We also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment (PPE). These resources help to protect workers and the public. They can also be instrumental for keeping construction and renovation companies in compliance with health and safety regulations.”

 

To learn more about asbestos, silica or other environmental, 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 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.