Multiple Schools in Philadelphia Temporarily Closed Due to Asbestos

During the past school year, six schools in the Philadelphia area have had to temporarily close their buildings due to the discovery of asbestos-containing materials. The closures took place in schools for elementary, middle and high school students.

Asbestos is a commercial name given to a variety of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite and any of these materials that have been chemically treated or altered). Because these minerals possess high tensile strength, flexibility, resistance to chemical and thermal degradation, and electrical resistance, they were used for decades in thousands of commercial products. Unfortunately, many of these products included building materials such as insulation, flooring, wallboard and fireproofing materials. Many of these materials can still be found in schools, homes and other buildings across the nation.

“If asbestos-containing materials become friable or are disturbed without the proper safety precautions in place, they could pose a health risk to anyone in the building,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This is due to the fact that asbestos can separate into microscopic-size particles that remain in the air for an extended period and are easily inhaled. Exposure to asbestos can led to the development of several life-threatening diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.”

Dedicated to protecting students, teachers and other building occupants from exposure to asbestos and other regulated materials are the environmental and industrial hygiene testing experts at EMSL Analytical. With laboratories across North America, EMSL offers quick and affordable asbestos testing services from all types of bulk material and environmental samples. They also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment (PPE). These services safeguard people and help to keep companies and institutions in regulatory compliance.

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

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