Santa Monica Post Office Closed for Asbestos Testing

Last month, the Santa Monica Mirror reported that a U.S. Post Office branch in Santa Monica’s Ocean Park neighborhood was temporarily closed due to asbestos testing taking place in the building.  The testing was ordered after water caused damage to ceiling tiles, suspected of possibly containing asbestos, in the floor above the Post Office.

Ceiling tiles and popcorn ceilings are just two components of older buildings that may contain asbestos. Other areas where asbestos is still commonly found include: pipe and furnace insulation, shingles, millboard, floor tiles, textured paints and other coating materials. Fortunately, a ban was imposed in the late 1970’s on many asbestos containing products, but it is still commonly found in many older homes and buildings.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “You can’t tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled.” It takes a qualified laboratory that specializes in asbestos analysis to determine if a sample contains the potentially deadly fibers.

“When asbestos is not disturbed and has not become friable, it usually does not pose an immediate risk to building occupants,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility.  “When these materials become disturbed, as happened with the water damaged ceiling tiles at the Post Office, the situation can quickly change.  Any remediation work to the tiles could release asbestos into the air, so it’s imperative to have suspect materials tested before any work begins.  At LA Testing, we provide expert analysis for asbestos in building materials and from air samples to ensure people are not exposed to this known carcinogen.”

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

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, 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, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.
 

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