Partially Demolished Building Creates Asbestos Fears in Residents

In February, WTVG broadcast a report about the remains of a partially demolished commercial building in Adrian, Michigan. The structure had previously housed an automotive parts manufacturer that had been in business since the early 1900s. 

Several years ago, work began to tear down the building. According to the news report, the demolition work was never completed and the property went into foreclosure due to tax issues. The county now owns the land and pile of debris which was recently found to contain asbestos.

Asbestos was frequently used in many older buildings constructed up until the late 1970s. It can be found in building materials ranging from insulation, roofing and siding to vinyl floor tiles, cement sheets and adhesives to name just a few common asbestos-containing materials.

Each year, thousands of buildings are torn down resulting in millions of tons of demolition waste. Much of this waste is inert or nonhazardous, but as this case illustrates, other debris may contain hazardous materials. This waste, and the demolition process itself, can in some circumstances create exposure concerns for the project workers and nearby residents.

“The pile of construction debris in Adrian that has reportedly been found to contain asbestos could be a threat to anyone who enters the property and even to nearby businesses and residents if winds cause asbestos fibers to become airborne,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Demolition dusts from older buildings also often contain other hazardous materials. These may include lead and even polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB).”

Helping to identify exposure risks associated with demolition projects caused by hazardous materials, chemicals and microbial contaminants is EMSL Analytical, Inc. They offer environmental testing services and sampling supplies that are instrumental for identifying potential hazards before demolition activities take place, during the demolition itself, and to ensure no risks remain for the community after the project is complete.  

EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about demolition projects and air quality concerns that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/iEc924Xq3ds.

To learn more about testing for asbestos, lead, PCBs or other air quality, environmental, occupational, health and safety issues, 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, 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) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail