Asbestos Testing Services

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a civil penalty of nearly $29,000 to a contractor for alleged asbestos violations during the demolition of a former car dealership in Salem. The contractor had been hired to remove and clean up fire-damaged structures following a 2024 blaze.

According to DEQ, the debris from the site was known to contain significant amounts of asbestos. Despite this, the contractor reportedly failed to use a DEQ-licensed asbestos abatement company for the project. The agency also alleges that asbestos-containing waste was improperly stored in open dumpsters on the property for about five months.

DEQ states that these actions could have released asbestos fibers into the air, potentially exposing nearby residents and workers. Asbestos is a well-documented respiratory hazard linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

“To support contractors and others engaged in demolition, renovation, and restoration projects, EMSL Analytical offers comprehensive material, environmental, and industrial hygiene testing services to identify and control asbestos, lead, and other hazardous substances,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “With an accredited asbestos testing laboratory in Washington and dozens more across North America, EMSL also provides sampling supplies, user-friendly test kits, air monitoring instruments, inspection tools, and personal protective equipment. These resources help protect people and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal asbestos regulations.”

For more information about asbestos and other environmental, health, and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. To access test kits for asbestos and other environmental issues, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 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, VOCs, 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 EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA 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.