Suppose you are looking at a new house or maybe remodeling the current home you live in. In that case, you may suspect that the building material has asbestos and would like to make sure to check this before disturbing the material, which may have asbestos and potentially putting your family in harms’ way. You can call an AHERA inspector to collect the asbestos-containing material. The consultant will submit the samples to an asbestos testing lab for analysis. Alternatively, you can pocket the savings and do it yourself, especially if it’s a small project in one room. You only collect 1 to 3 small samples of popcorn ceiling, wall, or bathroom vinyl sheeting, for example.
Can I Test For Asbestos Myself?
The process of collecting suspected asbestos-containing material is known as “bulk sampling.” You can manage the asbestos-containing material to be tested, but you will have to send them to an asbestos testing lab for analysis. Just make sure you are wearing some PPE, such as latex gloves and protective eyewear when getting the samples. The tools you will need are a spray bottle with a couple of detergent drops; this will prevent potential asbestos fibers from becoming airborne, a knife, sandwich baggies, a sharpie, a pen, and a spackle to cover the area that you removed the material. Don’t run any fans that can blow air on the site you are working on. The EPA recommends taking at least two samples of each unique asbestos-containing material for testing. The reasoning is that one corner may test negative while the other tests positive for asbestos.
When you are ready, cut out and remove about 1-3 square inches of asbestos-containing material, place them in individual baggies, and number each bag from 1, 2, and so on. An asbestos chain of custody form will need to be completed and submitted with your samples for processing at the asbestos testing lab. Use only shipping methods with tracking—USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, and UPS. This option will allow you and the lab to track the package. You can choose how fast or slow you want to send them to the lab.
How to test for asbestos
Once the asbestos testing lab receives your bulk samples, they will process each piece and place them under Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) for analysis to determine the presence, type, and percentage of asbestos in the sample(s). Bulk samples can also be analyzed by electron microscopy, which may be useful for analyzing floor tile or other products where asbestos may have been processed into a tiny and delicate fiber.
Where Can I Send A Sample For Asbestos Testing?
Mail-in your samples to 5 Microns Inc. 7100 Fort Dent Way #100 Tukwilla, WA 98188. Please send your samples using tracking options by USPS, FedEx, and UPS. The cost is $26 per sample layer. You can include a check or money order with your samples, or wait until we complete the work and notify you by sending an emailed invoice and a PayPal link to make your payment. Your report is emailed after receiving a payment. It will take 2-3 business days from receipt for the asbestos testing lab to send you the results.
Asbestos testing lab near me
IMPORTANT-MUST READ FIRST: All mail-in samples must have a tracking number and include our asbestos chain of custody form to be processed. If the chain of custody form is missing, your sample(s) will not be accepted and processed. Drop-offs MUST have the COC form inside your package but not in the sample bag. DO NOT MAIL YOUR SAMPLES BY FIRST CLASS MAIL. Send your sample(s) via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, and FedEx. It is essential to closely follow these directions so our asbestos testing lab can promptly process your sample(s).
Asbestos testing near me
5 Microns Inc.
7100 Fort Dent Way #100
Tukwila, WA 98188
M-F 9-5, Sat 9-3:30
If your samples test positive for asbestos, it would be wise to hire a professional abatement contractor for its removal. Contact your local building department for a list of asbestos abatement contractors in your area to get different bids. You may also contact the professionals at 5 Microns Inc. for assistance. Call 425-440-8787 Now! I wish you the best on your project.
Asbestos testing lab
5 Microns Inc. has expertise in asbestos testing, offering professional in-home services and drop-off and mail-in asbestos testing. Our standard delivery for results is 2-3 business days, with options for 24 hour and same-day turnaround. Would you please not hesitate to Call 425-440-8787 Now!
