Floor Cleaning Project at New York Library Inadvertently Exposes Asbestos Tiles Beneath

Recently, the Sunnyside Post published an article about the re-opening of a community library in Queens, New York. The library had been closed for asbestos abatement work after asbestos-containing floor tiles that had been covered over, were accidently exposed during cleaning activities.

Asbestos was once added to many types of floor tiles during the manufacturing process to strengthen and increase their durability. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, “Flooring, including sheet vinyl, vinyl or asphalt floor tiles and any associated paper-like backing, mastic, adhesive or glue, may contain asbestos.” 

Old asbestos flooring tiles can become friable over time and release fibers into the air. This is especially true if asbestos containing floor tiles are disturbed during renovation, remodeling or demolition activities. Improper attempts to remove these tiles can release asbestos fibers into the air of a building or home, endangering building occupants.

The best way to know if floor tiles, mastics or glues contain asbestos is to have them tested. Testing is quick, inexpensive and in many circumstances may be required by health and safety regulations. Inadvertently exposing the public or workers to asbestos could result in costly non-compliance penalties and serious health concerns.

“Asbestos was used in so many building materials all the way up until just a few short decades ago,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Unfortunately, asbestos is still commonly found in buildings and homes in everything from pipe and furnace insulation materials, shingles, millboard, textured paints, floor tiles and so many other materials.” 

One of the largest providers of asbestos testing is EMSL Analytical, Inc. with their network of coast-to-coast laboratories in the United States and Canada. To learn more about asbestos or other occupational, environmental, air quality, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 43 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail