Asbestos a Concern at Multiple Fire Stations in Southern California

In November, San Diego’s NBC 7 broadcasted a report about the poor conditions found at a number of fire stations in Southern California. The report highlighted aging fire stations that have not been maintained due to a lack of funding. These stations could now pose serious health concerns for the firefighters based in these buildings.

At one station, firefighters have been forced to live in trailers behind the fire station due to water damage that uncovered asbestos. In total, three fire stations are reportedly known to contain the hazardous material. Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. 

Asbestos can still be found in many older buildings that were constructed or renovated up until the 1970s. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that due to its fiber strength and heat resistance, the use of this mineral fiber was common in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. Asbestos was also used in a wide range of manufactured goods, but it was mainly used in building materials such as roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, asbestos cement products, friction product, heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets and coatings. Over time, asbestos-containing materials can become friable and create exposure risks. These materials can also be a health risk during any demolition, remodeling and renovation activities.

“It’s not just firefighters in old fire stations who need to be concerned about possible asbestos exposures,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Many residential, commercial and institutional properties throughout California still contain asbestos. To help identify these hazards, EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers asbestos analyses from air, dust and bulk samples. These services protect workers and building occupants as well as help to keep companies in compliance with asbestos regulations.”

To learn more about asbestos testing or other environmental, indoor air quality, occupational, health and safety issues, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@EMSL.com  or call (800) 220-3675. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail