Every home and building has a roof that will one day need to be repaired or replaced. These projects can be costly but are essential to prevent leaks that would otherwise allow moisture to enter the structure damaging materials, belongings, furnishings, and even leading to the growth of mold in many cases.
For roofs constructed up until the early 1980s, there is an important safety concern people need to be aware of. Unfortunately, asbestos was used in some roofing materials up until that time. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, asbestos fibers were added during the production of roofing and sitting materials to strengthen them, to increase their durability, and to provide a limited amount of insulation and fireproofing. They list asphalt roofing felt, asphalt roofing shingles, cement roofing shingles, roof underlayment, sealants, and flashing as some of the roofing materials that could contain asbestos.
“There are countless residential, commercial, and institutional properties in all 50 states that still have roofing materials that contain asbestos,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Some of these materials may now be under other layers of newer roofing products. When they need to be removed for demolition or for a future repair or roof replacement project, asbestos fibers from these materials can be released into the air and settle as dusts. Over time, exposure to asbestos fibers can result in lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These are all reasons why roofing materials and any other suspect materials that could contain asbestos need to be tested. In a number of circumstances, this is also required by health and safety regulations.”
In the United States and Canada, EMSL Analytical has dozens of laboratories that provide quick and affordable material, industrial hygiene, and environmental testing for asbestos. They also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) to help protect workers, homeowners, and the public.
To learn more about asbestos or other building science, 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 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.
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