Asbestos Testing Services

Boston, Massachusetts, August 29, 2024

The Office of the Attorney General (AG) of Massachusetts recently announced that a property developer had been charged with dozens of counts of violating the Massachusetts Clean Air Act and one count of violating the Massachusetts Solid Waste Management Act by allegedly illegally demolishing, handling, storing, and disposing of  asbestos-containing material, asbestos-containing waste material, and solid waste. The events are said to have occurred at a historic building that once housed a cotton mill and was demolished to make way for single-family homes.

According to the AG’s announcement:

Asbestos is a hazardous material and known human carcinogen regulated under the Clean Air Act. It is used as fireproofing in a wide variety of building materials, from roofing and flooring, to siding and wallboard, to caulking and insulation and is especially prevalent in older construction. If asbestos is improperly handled or maintained, fibers can be released into the air and inhaled, devastating the lungs, causing scarring, malfunction and potentially life-threatening illnesses, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Once disturbed, asbestos fibers can remain airborne, and therefore breathable for up to 72 hours. Because of the serious health risks associated with asbestos, there is no safe level of exposure.   

“Anytime a building or structure is demolished or renovated without properly handling asbestos-containing materials, asbestos fibers could easily become airborne and become a hazard for anyone in the area,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This is why disturbing asbestos is highly regulated. It’s also important to note that the only way to know for sure if a material contains asbestos is to have it tested.”

EMSL Analytical, a leading provider of material, industrial hygiene, and environmental testing for asbestos and other regulated substances, has a laboratory in Massachusetts and dozens more across the United States and Canada. Their asbestos experts provide laboratory services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, building inspection tools, and a wide range of personal protective equipment to protect the public, workers, and to help keep companies in compliance with health and safety regulations.

To learn more about asbestos or other environmental, health, and safety testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. To access test kits for asbestos or other indoor environmental quality issues, 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.