Asbestos Testing: Complete Guide for Homes and Workplaces

When to Test for Asbestos

Asbestos testing is recommended or required in several situations:

Homeowners Should Test Before:

• Renovations or remodeling – Any project that disturbs building materials
• Demolition – Tearing down walls, ceilings, or floors
• Buying an older home – Homes built before 1980 are more likely to contain asbestos
• After natural disasters – Floods, fires, or storms that damaged building materials
• Installing new HVAC systems – May require cutting through walls or ceilings

Workplace Testing Requirements:

• OSHA compliance – Regular testing in certain industries
• Before renovation projects – Commercial buildings must survey for asbestos
• Employee exposure concerns – When workers report potential exposure
• Building surveys – Required for commercial properties in many jurisdictions

Types of Asbestos Testing

Several testing methods exist, each suited for different situations:

1. Bulk Sample Analysis (PLM Method)

The most common type of asbestos testing:

• Physical sample collected from suspect material
• Analyzed using Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)
• Identifies asbestos type and concentration
• Results typically in 3-5 business days
• Cost: $25-75 per sample

2. Air Sampling

Measures airborne asbestos fibers:

• Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) – Measures fiber concentration
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) – More precise identification
• Required during abatement projects
• Used for clearance testing after removal
• Cost: $300-800 per sample

3. Dust Sampling

Analyzes settled dust for asbestos fibers:

• Useful when air sampling isn't practical
• Can identify past asbestos disturbances
• Often used in investigations
• Cost: $150-400 per sample

4. Soil and Water Testing

For environmental contamination:

• Testing soil around demolished buildings
• Water supply contamination concerns
• Industrial site assessments
• Cost: $100-300 per sample

Materials Commonly Containing Asbestos

Before 1980, asbestos was used in thousands of building products. Common materials include insulation in asbestos insulation, particularly in attics and older homes. Asbestos can also be found in vermiculite attic insulation and many other building components:

The Asbestos Testing Process

Understanding what happens during professional testing helps ensure accurate results:

Step 1: Visual Inspection

A certified inspector will:

• Walk through the property to identify suspect materials
• Document the location and condition of materials
• Determine which samples to collect
• Assess accessibility and safety considerations

Step 2: Sample Collection

Professional sample collection includes:

• Wetting the material to suppress dust
• Using specialized tools to collect samples
• Sealing samples in appropriate containers
• Labeling with location and date information
• Chain of custody documentation

Step 3: Laboratory Analysis

Samples are sent to an accredited laboratory where:

• Trained analysts examine samples under microscopy
• Asbestos fibers are identified by type (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, etc.)
• Percentage of asbestos content is determined
• Results are documented in a formal report

Step 4: Report Delivery

You'll receive a comprehensive report including:

• List of materials tested
• Asbestos content for each sample
• Type of asbestos identified
• Recommendations for management or removal

Asbestos Testing Costs

Testing costs vary based on scope and type of testing needed:

Factors affecting cost:

• Size of the property
• Number of suspect materials
• Accessibility of sampling locations
• Geographic location
• Urgency of results

Finding a Certified Asbestos Inspector

Proper certification ensures accurate, legally defensible results:

Certifications to Look For

• EPA/AHERA Certification – Required for schools and public buildings
• NACHI (InterNACHI) – Home inspector certification with asbestos training
• State-specific licenses – Many states require additional licensing
• NVLAP Accreditation – For laboratories analyzing samples

Where to Find Inspectors

• State health departments – Maintain lists of licensed inspectors
• EPA website – Resources for finding accredited professionals
• Home inspector associations – Members with specialized training
• Environmental consulting firms – Full-service testing and remediation

Questions to Ask

1. Are you licensed/certified in my state?
2. What certifications do you hold?
3. What laboratory do you use? Is it accredited?
4. What is included in your inspection fee?
5. How long will results take?
6. Do you also perform abatement? (Be cautious of conflicts of interest)

DIY Testing vs. Professional Testing

While DIY test kits exist, they have significant limitations:

Understanding Test Results

Your test report will include several key pieces of information:

Asbestos Types

• Chrysotile (white asbestos) – Most common type, found in 95% of asbestos-containing materials
• Amosite (brown asbestos) – Common in insulation and cement products
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos) – Considered most dangerous, used in high-temperature applications
• Tremolite, Anthophyllite, Actinolite – Less common, often contaminants in other minerals

Concentration Levels

Results typically show asbestos as a percentage of the total material:

• Trace amounts – Less than 1%
• Low – 1-10%
• Medium – 10-50%
• High – Greater than 50%

Interpreting Air Sample Results

Air samples are measured in fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc):

• Below 0.01 f/cc – Generally considered acceptable clearance level
• 0.01-0.1 f/cc – Elevated, may require action
• Above 0.1 f/cc – Significant contamination requiring immediate remediation

What to Do If Asbestos Is Found

Finding asbestos doesn't necessarily mean you need immediate removal. Options include:

Option 1: Leave It Alone (Management in Place)

If asbestos-containing material is:

• In good condition
• Not likely to be disturbed
• Not in a high-traffic area

The safest option may be to leave it undisturbed and monitor its condition periodically.

Option 2: Encapsulation

Sealing the material to prevent fiber release:

• Applying sealants to surfaces
• Covering with protective barriers
• Less expensive than removal
• Requires ongoing monitoring

Option 3: Removal (Abatement)

Complete removal is necessary when:

• Material is damaged or deteriorating
• Renovation will disturb the material
• Encapsulation isn't practical

Must be performed by licensed abatement contractors.