Asbestos Testing

Huntington Beach, CA, March 16^th, 2022

For decades up until the 1970s, asbestos was used in some drywall, joint compounds, and various texturing materials, such as some popcorn ceilings. While these materials may not be a hazard to building occupants when left alone, taking down walls and ceilings, removing textured ceilings, and other construction projects that involve disturbing these materials could create exposure risks for workers or anyone in the home or building.

In addition to potential exposure risks from asbestos-containing drywall (also referred to as sheetrock or gypsum wallboard) and wall components, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists ceiling and floor tiles, sprayed-on materials like soundproofing or decorative material, patching compounds, and textured paints as just a few of the other building materials that could contain asbestos.

Three of the major health effects associated with asbestos exposure listed by EPA include:

• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that is found in the thin lining of the lung, chest and the abdomen and heart
• Asbestosis, a serious progressive, long-term, non-cancer disease of the lungs

“According to Cal/OSHA, asbestos is still present in many structures,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “This is why it is a good idea, and many times required by regulations, to have suspect wall and other building components tested for asbestos before a project begins that would disturb these materials. This is true for property managers, demolition contractors, construction companies, and even those taking on a DIY project.”   

Fortunately, residents of California have access to quick and affordable asbestos testing from the experts at LA Testing. With multiple locations, LA Testing offers laboratory services for bulk material, industrial hygiene, and environmental samples. They also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, and personal protective equipment (PPE). These services protect building occupants and can help to keep companies in regulatory compliance.

To learn more about asbestos or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ), building science, occupational, health and safety services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. For access to asbestos and other IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.    

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash, and smoke damage, particulates, and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health, and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego, and Ontario.