Naturally Occurring Asbestos Exposure Risks Present at Bodies of Fresh Water in Washington

People visiting a particular creek and river in Washington have been warned that disturbing the grounds in and around the waterways could expose them to asbestos hazards. This is all the result of a slow-moving landslide that began decades ago and has been dumping sediment that contains naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) into the waterways.

Seasonal flooding along the creek deposits the sediments into the river and onto the surrounding land. As the sediments dry, they can become airborne due to the wind or because of human activity. Another concern is the presence of naturally occurring metals introduced by the landside. These include chromium, cobalt, and nickel according to the Washington Department of Ecology and Whatcom County.

“Naturally occurring asbestos can be found in the soil and rocks in numerous places across North America,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Inhalation exposure to asbestos fibers, whether due to NOA that has been disturbed or from airborne asbestos in a home or other structure because of its past use in building materials, is a serious health concern. Sampling, in either case, is the only way to know for sure if it is present and could be a potential hazard.”

Identifying heavy metals and asbestos from naturally occurring deposits or man-made sources are the scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. With a testing facility in Seattle and dozens more across the United States and Canada, their laboratories offer comprehensive testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, and even personal protective equipment.

EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about naturally occurring asbestos and exposure risks that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/1AiAr6TC2pw.

To learn more about asbestos and heavy metal testing or other environmental, occupational, air quality, health, and safety services, 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 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