Fire Station Where Mold Was Recently Found Is Shut Down Permanently After the Discovery of Structural Issues and Asbestos

In late 2019, it was announced by multiple media outlets that a fire station in North Plymouth, Massachusetts was being permanently shut down after asbestos was found in the plaster used on the walls. The discovery followed recent structural concerns that came to light and the discovery of mold caused by a roof leak.

According to news reports, in addition to closing down the fire station, the town is in the process of notifying anyone who worked in the building over the past ten years about the asbestos discovery. This is an important step as exposure to asbestos fibers in the air people breathe can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer over time.

Asbestos can still be found in many 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 the 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, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products and asbestos cement products), friction products, heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets and coatings.

“Asbestos-containing materials can become friable and create exposure risks as the materials containing them age or are disturbed,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Countless residential, commercial and institutional properties throughout the country still contain asbestos. Inhaling elevated levels of mold is another health concern. Breathing this in can cause respiratory irritation, allergies and even trigger asthma attacks in some people with the condition.”

The scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. are always working to identify asbestos, mold and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) exposure risks in buildings of all types. EMSL has a laboratory in Boston and dozens more across the United States and Canada. In addition to providing analytical services, they also offer all of the sampling supplies needed, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments and a wide range of personal protective equipment (PPE).

To learn more about asbestos, mold or other material and indoor environmental quality testing services and sampling supplies, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . To access IEQ 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