Test for Asbestos – Taking Samples Safely

The term “test for asbestos” can mean two different things. If you’re looking to take a test for asbestos contractors, for example, you probably want to take some type of required test for contractor licensing. However, this article will cover how to test for asbestos in homes to verify whether or not the potentially hazardous mineral is actually present. If you want to test asbestos tile or test asbestos ceiling tiles for the presence of this hazardous substance, you need to understand the asbestos testing process and how to remain safe when you test for asbestos.

When you want to perform a home test for asbestos, you first need to locate any possible asbestos-containing products. The most common places in a home where asbestos is found are in asbestos floor tile, typically 9″ x 9″ or 12″ x 12″, linoleum flooring, acoustic ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, boiler or water tank insulation, wall and ceiling plaster, cement roof, popcorn ceilings, window caulking, exterior siding and stucco, as well as many other areas. If the material is not wood, steel, glass, or pink or yellow fiberglass, it may contain asbestos, so extreme caution should be used. Typically, asbestos materials won’t be found in newer homes, but in older homes built in the 1980s or before. When in doubt, test for asbestos.

Asbestos remains a health hazard in many homes today even though it was banned decades ago. Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other serious asbestos diseases. It has been estimated that for the next 30 years approximately 20,000 people will die each year from exposure to this deadly mineral. A simple test for asbestos can save lives and is an important safety measure whenever asbestos-containing products are suspected.

After locating any possible products that may contain asbestos, the process is simple: take some samples and have them examined in a lab. However, specific safety precautions must be exercised to avoid exposure to you or others. The safest method is to hire a professional to take samples and have them examined under a microscope in a lab. However, to save money you can take the samples yourself and then send them to a lab for examination at a very reasonable cost.

If you would like to test for asbestos, you can buy asbestos testing kits at leading home centers, hardware stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies, or order them online, and do your own home test for asbestos. Once you collect the samples, you will simply mail them to the lab specified in the asbestos test kit, and you’ll have results in about a week or so. The lab fee will normally be in the $30 to $50 range.

Before you test for asbestos by taking samples of possible asbestos-containing materials, it is important that you fully understand how to perform the test for asbestos safely. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause life-threatening diseases, so extreme caution must be used. Asbestos building materials are either friable, meaning they will easily crumble in your hand, or non-friable. Friable asbestos materials pose the biggest danger, especially when they’ve become damaged. If any asbestos products have become damaged by water, or have become corroded, or appear damaged in any other way, leave them alone.

Read the instructions that come with your asbestos test kit and only take samples in a safe manner. A good place to learn about this process is through asbestos awareness training. When you test for asbestos you do so by taking samples. Before proceeding with your test for asbestos, turn off all air conditioning or heating systems to avoid spreading any asbestos fibers to other areas. Always use respiratory protection when taking samples. Use a plastic drop cloth so that any contaminated materials can be easily disposed of. Test kits will usually contain plastic gloves and these should always be used. Use a mixture of 1 teaspoon of liquid soap to 1 quart of water and thoroughly spray any materials that will be sampled. The sample area must be kept wet at all times during the sampling process to prevent asbestos fibers from becoming airborne.

When you test for asbestos by taking samples of suspected materials you will want to use a sharp knife, razor blade, or chisel to cut or scrape off a full thickness of the sampled materials. Don’t just take a small piece of the material, but remove the surface and underlying parts of each sample. When removing vinyl flooring you will want to take two samples, one of the floor and one of the adhesive. If you have purchased an asbestos kit to test for asbestos on your own, place your sample into one of the enclosed sample bags and then seal it tightly. In larger areas, such as in the case of a sizable popcorn ceiling, you will usually want to take two or three samples from different areas instead of just one single sample.

To finish your test for asbestos you will simply fill out the form that came with your asbestos kit and mail it in for an asbestos test in the lab. Once you get the results you can determine what your next step will be. If no asbestos is present you can continue with the job of removal or repair of the materials. If the presence of asbestos is verified you will have other decisions to make. You can either repair or replace the contaminated materials on your own or use a professional asbestos removal company to do the work. No matter which approach you take, it is important to follow all safety rules and laws to protect yourself and others from exposure.