Test Existing Floor Tiles for Asbestos before Installing a New Floor

A school district in Iowa and a restoration company doing a project in one of the district’s high schools both recently agreed to pay fines for work on damaged floor tiles that may have exposed workers and building occupants to asbestos fibers. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, asbestos regulations were not followed, and no precautions were taken.

This incident is a reminder that countless institutions, businesses, and even homes still have floor tiles in them that were made with asbestos. As these materials age and become friable, or are disturbed during renovation and demolition activities, people could be exposed to asbestos fibers. Exposure to these fibers over time can result in lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

The Minnesota Department of Health warns:

Flooring, including sheet vinyl, floor tiles and any associated paper-like backing, adhesive or glue, can contain asbestos. Asbestos was added during the production of flooring to strengthen the flooring and to increase its durability.

“The only way to know for sure if floor tiles or other suspect materials contain asbestos is to have it tested,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Fortunately, testing is affordable and can be done quickly. At EMSL, we have dozens of laboratories across the United States and Canada that offer material and environmental testing for asbestos. We also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, and even personal protective equipment (PPE) to help safeguard workers and the public.”

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