Asbestos Testing Lab Services:

Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

How to Collect an Asbestos Sample for Identification Testing:

You can't tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled. If in doubt treat the material as if it contains asbestos. Don't touch it, but look for signs of wear or damage, such as tears, abrasions, or water damage. Damage to material may release asbestos fibers. This is particularly true if you often disturb it by hitting, rubbing, or handling it or if it is exposed to extreme vibration or air flow. Sometimes, the best way to deal with slightly damaged materials is to limit access to the area and not touch or disturb it. If an asbestos building material is more than slightly damaged, or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or removal by a professional is needed. Before you have your house remodeled, find out where the asbestos materials are present. Anyone who samples asbestos containing building materials should have as much information as possible on the handling of asbestos before sampling, and at a minimum, should observe the following procedures:

• Wear disposable gloves or wash hands after sampling.
• Shut down any heating or cooling systems to minimize the spread of any released fibers.
• Do not disturb the material any more than is needed to take a small sample.
• Fill a spray bottle with water and add a small amount of detergent. Spray this mixture over the entirety of the exposed asbestos, and primarily over the area you will sample from. The material should be only very slightly damp; even a small amount of liquid will help cease fiber release.
• Carefully cut a piece from the entire depth of the material using, for example a small knife or other sharp object. The sample size should be approximately 2" x 2". ~Place the small piece into a clean high quality resealable plastic bag.
  
• Wipe off the outside of the plastic bag, especially any part of the bag that may have come in contact with the sample.
  
• Label the plastic bag with a permanent marker, indicating the type of building material and where the sample was taken.
  
• Deliver the sample or mail it to Asbestos Identification Laboratory for analysis.

If you think your home or property may contain asbestos, call us today to receive professional and reliable instructions on what you can do to keep you, your family and anyone who works on your home safe.