Palm Springs Resort Demolition Project Encounters Asbestos Issues

The Desert Sun published an article last month about a demolition project in Palm Springs involving a resort hotel that was originally built in the 1960’s.  According to the report, workers discovered asbestos as the building was being torn down.  In response, air monitoring was implemented and the building has reportedly been sealed to prevent asbestos fibers from reaching the surrounding area until the asbestos has been safely removed.

Thousands of homes and buildings that have outgrown their useful lives are torn down each year across California.  The debris and waste generated by these demolition projects is usually primarily inert or nonhazardous, but some debris may contain hazardous waste as was the case in Palm Springs.  This waste and the demolition process can, in some circumstances, create exposure concerns for not only the project workers, but also for nearby businesses and residential neighborhoods.

“Particulate matter can become airborne and spread to surrounding properties during demolition projects,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility.  “Depending on the type and age of the building, it could contain any number of potentially hazardous materials.  These may include asbestos, lead-based paints, mold, PCBs, mercury and other materials.  Even the presence of elevated levels of inert particulates could cause respiratory issues for people in the area.”

LA Testing provides real-time monitoring equipment for particulates and a wide range of bulk material, air and dust sampling services to identify potential hazards at demolition project sites and neighboring communities.  LA Testing also recently sponsored an educational video about demolition projects and potential air quality concerns that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/iEc924Xq3ds.

To learn more about air quality testing services or other environmental, 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 indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other substances.  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 South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.

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Joseph Frasca

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LA Testing

(1) (856) 303-2503

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