Lead Exposure Fears Temporarily Halt Demolition Projects in Five Detroit Zip Codes

In March, The Detroit News published a story about a temporary halt in demolition projects in five zip codes throughout the city. According to the article, demolition projects in those areas will halt from May through September to help prevent the spread of lead dust that could impact children in the area. This is an important step as children are more likely to be outside and come in contact with lead hazards from these types of projects during the warm summer months.

This action follows recommendations made by a Taskforce on Demolitions and Health convened last year by the Detroit Health Department. According to their report, “The most common source of lead exposure in Detroit is dust from lead-based paint in old housing. Ninety-three percent (93%) of housing stock in Detroit was built before 1978, when lead-based paint was ubiquitous.”

“Lead is not the only common hazard encountered by workers and residents living near demolition projects,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Older buildings that are torn down and carted away inevitably create a tremendous amount of dust that can be a threat to workers and drift into neighboring properties. This dust could also contain asbestos and other hazardous materials such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB).”

Helping to protect workers and neighbors from exposure to lead and other dangerous materials are the environmental experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. With laboratories in Michigan and across the United States and Canada, they offer environmental testing services, sampling supplies and test kits to identify exposure risks associated with demolition projects. They also provide air monitoring instruments to measure particulate matter and other airborne pollutants as well as offer a wide range of personal protective equipment (PPE). EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about demolition projects and air quality concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/xP7s5zShGbE.  

To learn more about this 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 44 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