Renovation Project Disturbs Asbestos-Containing Tile Mastic Causing Evacuation of Sheriff’s Office in California

The Orange County Register recently reported that dozens of deputies and administrative personnel had to be evacuated from a sheriff’s department in Orange County. The evacuation was the result of asbestos exposure fears that occurred during a carpet removal project.

According to the paper, as contractors removed the carpeting, some of it was stuck to old tile found underneath. As some of the tiles became loose, old mastic used to hold down the tiles was exposed and aerosolized. An alert officer recognized the potential hazard and alerted authorities to have the work stopped. The mastic was later found to contain asbestos.

Asbestos was once commonly added to floor tiles and mastics during the manufacturing process to strengthen and increase the products’ 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 flooring tiles and mastics are common asbestos hazards during renovation, remodeling and demolition activities,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “If not handled properly, friable or disturbed asbestos-containing materials can become aerosolized and eventually settle as dust – even in places some distance from the project. This could expose many building occupants to asbestos hazards. This incident in San Clemente highlights the importance of testing suspect materials before these types of projects begin. Asbestos testing not only protects people from needless exposure, it could also prevent costly fines for not complying with asbestos regulations.”

California’s leading provider of asbestos testing services, sampling supplies and test kits can be found at LA Testing. With multiple laboratories, LA Testing offers quick results and affordable rates. They even carry a full line of personal protective equipment (PPE) for asbestos abatement professionals to use during projects.

To learn more about asbestos testing or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) services and products, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access to IEQ test kits, 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, San Diego and Ontario.

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