Library Closes Indefinitely After the Discovery of Lead and Asbestos

In May, several media outlets reported that the Branchburg Reading Station had been closed for an indefinite time following the discovery of lead and asbestos in the building. The facility, located in New Jersey, is part of the Somerset County Library System (SCLS).  The closure will allow for the remediation of the building and patrons of Branchburg Reading Station have been encouraged to utilize other SCLS libraries.

Both lead and asbestos are still frequently found in older buildings and both can cause harm to people if they are exposed to the materials.  Lead is a known toxic material, and there are many ways people can develop lead poisoning.  They include exposure to contaminated air, drinking water, food, soil, deteriorating lead-based paints and dust. Lead-based paint is one of the most significant sources of lead exposure today. Many buildings and homes built before 1960 contain heavily leaded paint. Some built as recently as 1978, may also contain lead-based paint.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.  It is a mineral fiber that was added to many products in the past to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance.  If materials that contain asbestos are disturbed, asbestos fibers may be released into the air or settle as dust creating a threat to people in the area.

“Both asbestos and lead continue to cause health concerns years after their use was stopped in most applications,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “Even today, decades later, we hear of people getting sick and homes, businesses and institutions having to face extensive remediation efforts due to their presence.  To help people identify lead and asbestos hazards, EMSL provides laboratory analysis and sampling supplies to environmental contractors and consultants and even the general public. Our network of laboratories has over 30 locations across the United States and Canada to quickly and efficiently provide answers to these important questions.”

To learn more about lead, asbestos or other environmental testing services, please visit www.EMSL.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, indoor air quality (IAQ) 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

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail