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If you haven't tested for radon in the air yet this year, there is still time. It is best to test during the colder months because you need to have your house closed up for 48-96 hours (normal exit and entry is allowed).
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We are proud to announce the launch of a new logo as part of the ongoing evolution of our laboratory.
In 2014, A & L Laboratory embarked on a new adventure merging with Granite State Analytical Services, LLC. in Derry, New Hampshire. We have expanded our analytical offerings to public water systems and private well owners throughout the entire State of Maine. With our new vision to be a one-stop laboratory for all of your drinking water needs, we offer high quality services using top-of-the-line equipment and highly trained personnel.
Given the vast expansion of our company and the exciting growth we have experienced over the past four years, it was the perfect time to evaluate our company's brand and logo to ensure it was in sync with who we are and where we are going. After careful consideration, we chose a new logo that represents our analytical and environmental mission, but with a more modern look that captures the company's roots from the white mountains of New Hampshire to the white pines of Maine.
The task in the upcoming months will be to update our websites, social media, signs, business cards, and reports with the new logo. We realize that changing a logo is a process that can involve many steps and take some time, so we will finalize it gradually. You will soon start to see a new look for us, but don't worry it will be the same great service you have come to know over the years!
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Brunswick Naval Air Station Clean Up
Poly- & perfluorokyl substances (PFAS) are perfluorinated compounds that were heavily used in the 1950's for the manufacturing of carpets, clothing, furniture and paper packaged foods. They are most commonly associated with the fire-fighting foams used for training purposes in military based environments.
In 1987, The Brunswick Naval Air Station base was inducted into the EPA Superfund program as National Priority. Lighting struck the Naval Air's Building 653 which activated the fire suppression system causing fire foam to leach into the surrounding areas. This began the extensive clean-up of multiple sites for PFOA's, VOC's and 1,4 - dioxane. The Eastern Plume Treatment Plant began successfully treating using carbon based filtration and pumping groundwater into the plant to influence how and where the water flows.
While long term effects of PFOA's are still being studied, they have been able to see limited exposure on human populations. These studies have shown exposure to PFOA's may cause elevated cholesterol level, possible links to certain cancers and possible low infant birth weights. Animal studies have shown developmental, reproductive and liver effects.
The Navy has been proactive in sampling and treating for these contaminants and continues to improve their groundwater conditions. They continue to make sure the PFOA's have not leached into off-site sites by sampling in well sources in the Superfund proximity.
To follow the on-going clean up efforts click here.
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Access to
Clean Water in the United States
When you think about water scarcity or access to clean water, the United States probably doesn't come to mind. We are the wealthiest country in the world why would we not have access to clean water? Surprisingly, the United States has a staggering 1.6 million people who do not have adequate plumbing, a toilet, tub/shower, or running water. Even with adequate plumbing, there are communities such as Flint, Michigan who have been dealing with extremely high lead contamination or the Navajo Nation who have been dealing with uranium contamination from abandon uranium mines. Another issue plaguing our country is private and public wells; drought in some areas has caused many wells to dry up while others have an array of costly contamination issues. Poverty also is a major player in clean water access, according to the US Census over 40 million people in the United States are below the poverty level and another 60 million people hover right around the poverty level. This makes clean water unaffordable to many due to the rising operation costs.
In 2015, there were 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by over 200 countries, including the US, to improve the quality of human life along with protecting the planet. Goal #6 focuses on Clean Water and Sanitation which will "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all." A comprehensive approach will be necessary to meet the goals of adequate sanitation and safe affordable water both throughout the United States and around the world. Government agencies, community involvement, integrated water resource management among many other groups will need to come together to fulfill this challenging yet attainable goal
To read the full report click here
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A & L Laboratory, a Division of Granite State Analytical Services | 207-784-5354 | rlabranche@granitestateanalytical.com | www.allaboratory.com
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