Asbestos Discovery Results in the Temporary Closure of a High School Gym in California

Last month, the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (FSUSD) announced that during maintenance work at a district high school gym, staff found part of a wall surface was delaminating. It was identified as possibly containing asbestos so tests were conducted. Material from one wall of the gym did indeed contain asbestos according to an update from FSUSD. School officials temporarily closed the gym until any exposure threats to students and faculty could be resolved.

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was used in numerous building materials for decades. Anyone can be exposed to asbestos fibers through inhalation or ingestion from asbestos-containing materials that have become friable or are disturbed during renovation, remodeling or demolition activities. It is most likely to be found in schools, homes and other buildings constructed between approximately the 1930s and the 1970s.

“Due to the unique properties of asbestos, it was used in countless building materials in the past, many of which still remain in structures throughout California,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “To help school districts, facility managers and others identify these hazards, the scientists at LA Testing offer asbestos analyses from suspect building materials, as well as from air, dust, water, soil and surface samples. We also provide all of the sampling supplies needed, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and carry a comprehensive range of personal protective equipment (PPE).”

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

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

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LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

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