California Library to Temporarily Close for Asbestos-Containing Tile Removal

In October, a board of supervisors from a California county approved the temporary closure of a local library for an asbestos abatement project. The closure is set to take place following the Thanksgiving holiday.
 
According to officials, the basement floor was installed in 1971 using both tiles and adhesives that contained asbestos. Over the years, tiles have broken and been replaced. However, there are no records of which tiles are old and which are new. Every time a tile was replaced, the library went through an asbestos abatement process, which is expensive and time consuming. The floor has continued to deteriorate over time and a large number of tiles either need to be replaced or are in imminent need of replacement.
 
Asbestos was used in some floor tiles, sheet vinyl, backing materials, adhesives and glues in the past to strengthen and increase their durability. Until the 1970s, numerous other building products and insulation materials used in residential, commercial and institutional buildings also contained asbestos. Over time, asbestos-containing materials can become friable and create exposure risks. These materials can also be a health risk during demolition, remodeling and renovation activities.
 
“Many people don’t realize that old flooring tile and vinyl flooring products often contain asbestos,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “There is no way to tell if these flooring materials contain asbestos unless it is tested. Our asbestos testing services quickly provide the answer so that the proper safety procedures can be put in place if asbestos is found.” 
 
Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. LA Testing offers asbestos analyses from air, dust and bulk samples. These services protect workers and building occupants, and help to keep companies in regulatory compliance.
 
To learn more about asbestos testing or other environmental, indoor air quality, occupational, health and safety issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 
 
About LA Testing
 
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for food testing and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including Huntington Beach, San Diego, San Leandro and South Pasadena.
 

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