Asbestos Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, November 27, 2024

Over the last several months there have been a number of media reports about concerns some residents of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania have regarding the discovery of asbestos in drinking water samples. The problem comes from old water lines that were made from cement that also contains asbestos.

During the last century, cement pipes made with asbestos were commonly used in drinking water distributions systems. This went on for decades, and although the practice peaked in large parts of the country in the mid-1900s, a significant number of these pipes are still in operation.

Asbestos can also get into water supplies through the weathering and erosion of natural mineral deposits, runoff from tailings from mining operations, and due to the improper disposal of asbestos waste.

“Unfortunately, as these pipes age and degrade, or are tapped into, asbestos fibers may enter the water supply,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “In an asbestos fact sheet produced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency back in 1992, the agency cautioned that asbestos was a ‘common contaminant of domestic water supplies, but EPA has concluded that about 95% of water consumers are exposed to asbestos fiber concentrations of less than one million fibers per liter (MFL).’ For those exposed to seven million fibers or more per liter, EPA warns there is an increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps from long-term exposure.”

To detect asbestos exposure risks from cement pipes or water, air, and other types of samples, EMSL Analytical offers testing resources and sampling supplies. They have an asbestos testing laboratory in Pennsylvania and dozens more across North America. They also provide additional water testing resources to detect various physical, chemical, microbial, and radiological contaminants.

To learn more about asbestos or other testing services and sampling supplies, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.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.