New Jersey’s Aging School Buildings Cause Concerns for Asbestos Exposure

In October, The Courier Post reported that the average age of public school buildings in New Jersey is more than 50 years, which is six years above the national average. With rapidly aging buildings comes a concern for the health and safety of students and staff.

Asbestos, a fibrous mineral that can be invisible to the eye, has been causing severe concerns for schools within the state. Recently, at least two schools in the Pinelands Regional district had to cancel classes due to asbestos exposure concerns.

Most of the aging buildings, constructed during the 1950’s and 1960’s, were built with asbestos containing materials. These products range from ceiling and floor tiles to mastic, joint compounds, insulation, plaster and cement. Although, asbestos can be relatively safe when it is not disturbed, in schools there is a concern when construction, demolition and renovation; maintenance activities; and accidental disturbance occurs. 

“According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there is no acceptable level of asbestos exposure, though there are limits in place for employees who may come into contact with it during their workday,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “When people come in contact with asbestos fibers, through inhalation or ingestion, it can increase the risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.”

To protect students, staff and their families, and to help keep schools in regulatory compliance, EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides material and environmental asbestos testing services. EMSL has sponsored an educational video about demolition projects and air quality concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/xP7s5zShGbE.

To learn more about air quality or other environmental, occupational, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@emsl.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access to asbestos test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.   

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 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 and ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage and 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