Asbestos Still Remains a Problem in Homes and Buildings Across the United States and Canada 19 Years After 9/11

Nineteen years after the devastation caused by the 9/11 attacks that released hundreds of tons of asbestos and other hazardous materials across lower Manhattan, asbestos-containing materials can still be found in countless homes and buildings all across the United States and Canada.
 
Due to the many unique properties of asbestos, it was used in thousands of consumer products and building materials over the years. Unfortunately, it has also been known for a long time that exposure to asbestos fibers could result in mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer. Considering all we know about these exposure hazards, many people assume it has been banned and removed from indoor environments where it could put people at risk.
 
To the surprise of many, this is not entirely correct. Not only do many residential, commercial and institutional properties still contain materials made with asbestos, its use has not been completely banned in the United States. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “On July 12, 1989, the EPA issued a final rule under Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) banning most asbestos-containing products in the United States. In 1991, the rule was vacated and remanded by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. As a result, most of the original ban on the manufacture, importation, processing, or distribution in commerce for most of the asbestos-containing product categories originally covered in the 1989 final rule was overturned. Only the bans on corrugated paper, rollboard, commercial paper, specialty paper, and flooring felt and any new uses of asbestos remained banned under the 1989 rule. Although most asbestos containing products can still legally be manufactured, imported, processed and distributed in the U.S., according to the U.S. Geological Survey, the production and use of asbestos has declined significantly.”
 
“Regardless of the source or age of any asbestos-containing materials, exposure to airborne asbestos fibers is a serious health risk if they become airborne,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Inhaled fibers can be embedded in lung tissue over time, causing serious and deadly diseases. EMSL provides asbestos testing services and offers easy-to-use test kits to identify hazards.”
 
To learn more about asbestos or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675. To access asbestos test kits, visit www.AsbestosTestKit.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 45 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, 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.

Contact via E-mail