One California City Wants to Replace Its Aging City Hall That Contains Asbestos

In May, The Press Democrat published an article about possible plans for a city hall in California. The report shares concerns about ongoing maintenance costs and worries over asbestos said to be found in building materials throughout the complex since it was built in the 1960s. The current buildings house approximately 250 city workers who will likely be moved to a new facility in the future and away from the current asbestos exposure risk.

The County of Sonoma’s Asbestos Program describes asbestos as “…a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was used in numerous building materials and vehicle products for its strength and ability to resist heat and corrosion before its dangerous health effects were discovered. Individual asbestos fibers cannot be seen by the naked eye, which puts workers at an increased potential risk of exposure in areas where building materials known to contain asbestos were used.”

“One possibility for the old city hall is for it to be torn down to make the land available for redevelopment,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “If this occurs, the asbestos currently in the building will have to be properly handled so it doesn’t become a health and safety concern for the demolition workers or for people working and living nearby that could be exposed to the dust and debris.”

California residents concerned about potential exposure to asbestos can turn to the laboratory professionals at LA Testing. With multiple testing facilities across the state, their experts offer bulk and environmental asbestos analysis, all of the sampling supplies needed, and even provide easy-to-use test kits for asbestos and other commonly encountered hazards.

To learn more about this or other occupational, building science, environmental, air quality, health and safety testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. To access test kits for asbestos and other indoor environmental quality concerns (IEQ), visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


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 chemicals. 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, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

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