Asbestos Testing Services

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is reminding the public and building professionals about the persistent risks associated with asbestos following the temporary closure of a post office in Oregon earlier this year.

According to local officials and the United States Postal Service, operations at the North Bend Post Office were suspended out of an abundance of caution due to the possible presence of asbestos-containing materials. Environmental professionals were brought in to conduct testing, and while no injuries were reported and regular mail delivery continued, Post Office Box customers were redirected to a nearby facility during the investigation.

“Asbestos concerns like this are not uncommon in older buildings,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Many structures built before the 1980s still contain asbestos in materials such as insulation, floor tiles, roofing products, and textured coatings.”

Asbestos was widely used for decades due to its strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. However, exposure to airborne fibers is known to cause serious health issues, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, especially when materials are disturbed during renovation, maintenance, or demolition.

The North Bend incident highlights how asbestos can remain hidden for years and become a concern when damage or disturbance occurs. While intact materials may not pose an immediate hazard, released fibers can be inhaled and create long-term health risks.

EMSL Analytical, North America’s premier asbestos testing laboratory and provider of sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE), encourages property owners, facility managers, and contractors to take a proactive approach. Testing suspect materials, along with proper inspection, air monitoring, and professional abatement, is essential to protecting building occupants and workers.

For more information about asbestos testing services, sampling supplies, and environmental monitoring solutions, visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. To access 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.