Home Repairs and Potential Asbestos Exposure Concerns

Recently, The Spokesman-Review published an article about the need for people with home repair projects to be on the lookout for asbestos. The article was in response to several powerful wind storms that damaged thousands of roofs and eaves in the Spokane area.

Both residential and commercial properties built up until the 1970s often contain materials that have asbestos, and roofing is no exception. Its durability, strength, fire-resistance and insulating properties made asbestos a common component in many roofing materials in the past. These materials could include asphalt roof felt and shingles, cement roofing shingles, roof underlayment, sealants and flashing.

Roofing materials are not the only asbestos-containing products found in many homes and buildings. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reports that there are over 3,000 known products that may contain asbestos. They list everything from ceiling tiles and siding to duct work insulation and vinyl flooring, to name just a few.

“Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer which may not appear for decades,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Home repair and renovation projects that disturb these materials can aerosolize asbestos fibers creating a hazard. Homeowners need to be aware of this before they begin any projects. Fortunately, testing suspect materials for asbestos offers a quick way to determine if it is present so these materials can then be handled properly by qualified professionals.”

For over three decades, EMSL Analytical has been at the forefront of providing testing services to help identify materials and environmental samples that contain asbestos. These services protect homeowners and workers involved in repair, demolition, construction and remodeling activities. EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about potential repair and renovation hazards that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/1ENInekpUy8.

To learn more about EMSL’s asbestos or other hazardous material, environmental and indoor air quality testing services, please visit www.AsbestosTestingLab.com or 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, consumer product and materials testing services and products for 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, Inc.

(1) 8563032503

Contact via E-mail