Remains of Former School Destroyed in Fire Causes Asbestos Concerns for Residents and Health Officials

Recently, the WCCU television station broadcasted a story about a former elementary school in Rankin, Illinois that had sat vacant before burning down earlier this year. The property, now filled with debris, had raised concerns over the possible presence of asbestos that could pose a risk to nearby residents.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), buildings constructed before 1970 are more likely to contain asbestos. Airborne asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings. Pipe or other insulation, ceiling tiles, exterior siding, roof shingles and sprayed on-soundproofing are just some of the many materials found in older buildings that may contain asbestos.

“If debris from an old building that has succumbed to a fire or is just decaying away is disturbed by human activity or even gusty winds, elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur if asbestos-containing materials are present,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Another concern is lead-based paints. Lead was used in paints for decades and just like asbestos, lead-tainted dust can become airborne if disturbed.”

The environmental scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. help property owners, government officials and concerned residents identify potential exposure risks to asbestos, lead and other hazards. With laboratories across North America, they offer comprehensive testing of air, dust, soil, surface, water and bulk materials. These services are instrumental for protecting workers, the public, and keeping property owners and managers in regulatory compliance.

To learn more about testing for asbestos, lead or other air quality, environmental, occupational, health and safety issues, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 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