Asbestos in Dusts Can Pose Health and Safety Issues for Building Occupants

Cinnaminson, NJ, February 18, 2013

Asbestos was used heavily in many building materials in the United States up until the mid-1980s.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Asbestos fibers may be released into the air by the disturbance of asbestos-containing material during product use, demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair, and remodeling.” The EPA goes on to report, “Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease. That risk is made worse by smoking. In general, the greater the exposure to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing harmful health effects.”

When asbestos containing materials are disturbed or become friable with age, the asbestos may become airborne and spread throughout a building. Eventually these fibers settle and may contribute to dusts found in a building.

The only way to know if settled dust contains asbestos is to have the dust sampled.  To help educate people about the sampling method for collecting an asbestos sample in settled dust, EMSL Analytical has developed an online video describing the process.

“Correctly sampling for asbestos in settled dust is important when trying to determine if asbestos is present,” reported Ed Cahill from EMSL Analytical, one of the largest asbestos testing laboratories in North America. “We hope this video informs and educates people about the proper technique to collect a sample.”

To view EMSL’s asbestos in settled dust sampling instructions video, please visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd49JZWfcME

EMSL provides sampling materials and testing services for asbestos in settled dusts as well as air and bulk sampling analysis. People wishing to have their samples tested by EMSL should visit www.AsbestosTestingLab.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com