Rebuilding of Flood Damaged Homes Halted for Asbestos Inspections

LA Testing’s laboratories provide asbestos testing solutions to protect people, the environment and property from the dangers of asbestos exposure.

Los Alamitos, CA

In June of 2008 historic floods damaged hundreds of homes in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There was massive damage to the community and rebuilding began as the flood waters receded. Various charities and nonprofit agencies made their services available to area residents to help them get back on their feet and to rebuild their homes.

One group has already worked with approximately 2,500 volunteers on close to 100 homes so far. However, recently the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has put a stop to the rebuilding efforts because organizers failed to check for asbestos in the properties being renovated. The organization didn’t realize that they needed to test for asbestos before rebuilding and they have ordered asbestos inspections on 18 properties that they had been working on.

Asbestos can be found in a wide range of common building materials from insulation, flooring, ceilings, roofing, siding, fire coating materials and a host of other old building products. The disposal of asbestos is regulated and individuals and companies are subject to prosecution if asbestos regulations are not followed.

Aside from making sure that asbestos materials are properly disposed of, people need to be aware that during abatement or demolition projects asbestos can be easily aerosolized. This creates a dangerous environment for both workers and building occupants. Without the proper safety precautions asbestos can be easily inhaled during projects which could increase one’s chances of developing deadly lung cancer. Cancers associated with asbestos exposure can take up to decades to appear.

LA Testing, an affiliate of EMSL Analytical and a leading source of environmental testing services, provides asbestos testing solutions. “Our nationwide laboratory network is available to help quickly test for asbestos to keep the rebuilding efforts moving,” reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical.

To learn more about asbestos or other environmental testing services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Ben Sublasky

National Director of Clients Services/Operations Manager

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail