Lead Dust Exposure Concern Halts Demolition Project and Results in a Costly Fine

In January, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch  published a story about the temporary halt to a demolition project of a multifamily building in North St. Louis after neighbors complained to city officials about dust from the project. The building was constructed over 100 years ago and neighbors and city officials have expressed concern over potential neighborhood exposure to lead and other toxins in the dust.

According to the article, a demolition handbook created by the city in 2018 requires misting fans for dust control while wrecking activities are underway. The company had to halt demolition activities due to this requirement and was also fined.

Whenever buildings are torn down and carted away it can create a tremendous amount of dust. This dust could contain lead, asbestos and other hazardous materials such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). If not properly controlled, this dust can be a threat to workers and drift into neighboring properties causing exposure hazards to anyone living or working in the area.

“Testing building materials before a structure is torn down provides demolition contractors with the information they need to properly handle any materials they will encounter, along with the dust that is created, to protect their employees and any people in the area,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we have a laboratory in St. Louis and dozens more across the country to help with these efforts. We offer air, bulk, surface, water, dust and soil testing for lead, asbestos, PCBs, mold and many other exposure risks associated with demolition activities. EMSL also provides access to air monitoring instruments to measure particulate matter in the air during actual demolition and carries a full line of personal protective equipment to ensure workers are protected.”

EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about demolition projects and air quality concerns that can be seen at:  http://youtu.be/iEc924Xq3ds .

To learn more about this or other occupational, environmental, air quality, health and safety testing services and products, please visit  www.EMSL.com , call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . To access indoor environmental quality (IEQ) test kits, visit  www.EMSLTestKits.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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