The Importance of Checking Flooring Materials for the Presence of Asbestos

Recently, KTRE broadcasted a story about the discovery of asbestos in several buildings owned by a college in Lufkin, Texas. The hazardous material was reportedly found by school officials who performed testing before a remodeling project was to take place.

The culprit in this case was primarily the mastic that holds down the floor tiles. Asbestos was once also commonly added to floor tiles during the manufacturing process to strengthen and increase their durability. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, “Flooring, including sheet vinyl, vinyl or asphalt floor tiles, and any associated paper-like backing, mastic, adhesive or glue, may contain asbestos.”  

“Old flooring can become friable over time causing asbestos exposure concerns and can certainly cause hazardous conditions during their removal if not handled properly,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Fortunately, at the college, they did the right thing by testing this common source of asbestos before demolition, renovation and remodeling activities were to take place. This way the asbestos could be handled properly and not pose a health risk to workers, students and faculty.”

Helping to identify asbestos hazards are the indoor environmental quality experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. These professionals strongly encourage facility managers, building maintenance employees and flooring contractors to have all questionable flooring materials tested. Testing is a simple and cost effective way to ensure flooring materials are handled properly to protect people. Failure to take these steps could jeopardize people’s health, lead to costly noncompliance fines and even lawsuits.

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