Test Old Linoleum Floors for Asbestos before Disturbing or Replacing Them

Linoleum flooring was once a popular choice for use in residential, commercial, and institutional properties. Vinyl, often confused with linoleum, and other synthetic flooring materials later became a more economical choice for many consumers and builders.

Due to linoleum’s popularity in the past, many homes and buildings still have it. In some cases, it may still be visible, while in other situations it could be under newer flooring materials that were installed above it. 

Unfortunately, for many years, manufacturers often added asbestos to flooring materials and the adhesives and mastics used to install them. If old linoleum flooring that contains asbestos has become worn and friable over time, it could be releasing asbestos fibers into the air. Even if the old linoleum is below other types of newer flooring materials, it could become an exposure risk during any demolition, renovation and remodeling activities that disturb it.   

“It’s not just linoleum flooring installed decades ago that could contain asbestos,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Some sheet vinyl and floor tiles, and the mastics and adhesives used to install them, once also frequently contained asbestos. Exposure to asbestos fibers over time can result in lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The only way to know for sure if flooring materials or other suspect materials contain asbestos is to have them tested.”

The good news is testing is affordable and can be done quickly. EMSL Analytical, one of North America’s leading asbestos testing providers, has dozens of laboratories across the United States and Canada that offer material, industrial hygiene, and environmental testing for asbestos. They also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard workers and building occupants. These services can also help to keep companies in regulatory compliance.

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

Jose

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail