Asbestos Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, August 27, 2024

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced it had entered into an administrative consent order with a real estate investment company to resolve air quality violations which occurred during work at a building in Marion. The order requires the company to pay an administrative penalty of thousands of dollars and agree to adhere to asbestos requirements for all future projects.

The alleged violations involved the removal of floor tiles and joint compound that contained asbestos. Old flooring, including sheet vinyl, vinyl, or asphalt floor tiles; and any associated paper-like backing, mastic, adhesive, or glue, may contain asbestos. Other common asbestos-containing materials include joint compounds, patching, and textured paints; cement roofing, shingles, and siding; and insulation to name just a few of the many materials that may have asbestos. The only way to know for sure if these types of materials actually contain it is to have them tested.

Companies involved with construction, demolition, or remodeling projects are required to follow regulations that mandate the safe handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. This is due to the fact that exposure to asbestos is a well-known health hazard that can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

“Investigations into alleged asbestos violations, like the case in Iowa, happen quite often all across the country,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These investigations usually result in expensive penalties and legal fees. To help contractors and companies comply with health and safety regulations, EMSL provides asbestos testing services at dozens of our laboratories across North America. In addition to laboratory services, we also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, building inspection tools, and personal protective equipment. These resources are instrumental in helping to identify asbestos-containing materials, and for assessing air and dust samples to ensure asbestos hazards are not generated that could harm workers, the public, or future building occupant.”

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 test kits for asbestos or other environmental concerns, 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.