Asbestos Testing Services

Huntington Beach, CA, January 17, 2024

Last month, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel released a report that found management of a Federal Correctional Institution located in California violated OSHA standards by exposing inmates and workers to asbestos. The report was released following a union complaint that was sparked by whistleblowers.

The Special Counsel’s report stated:

Investigators substantiated that floor buffing practices disturbed asbestos in damaged or cracked vinyl floor tiles and that applicable OSHA safety measures were not employed during buffing operations.

Many buildings across California and the nation still have flooring that was made with asbestos to increase its strength and durability. In fact, flooring, including sheet vinyl, floor tiles and any associated paper-like backing, adhesive or glue, can contain asbestos. The only way to know for sure if floor tiles or other suspect materials contain asbestos is to have it tested.

“According to a 1998 Asbestos Survey of the Federal Correctional Institution in question, over 83,000 square feet of asbestos-containing floor tile and mastic were estimated to be in the facility,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “In California, LA Testing offers material, industrial hygiene and environmental testing for asbestos. Our laboratories also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and a comprehensive range of personal protective equipment (PPE). These services and resources protect building occupants and workers, and can be instrumental in helping institutions and companies avoid violating health and safety standards.”

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

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, 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 general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, 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 and San Diego.