What is asbestos air testing?
Asbestos air testing is the collection of air sample(s) using a method such as NIOSH 7400 for quantifying airborne fibers’ presence in an air space to ensure that airborne particles do not exceed the EPA recommended limit of exposure.
How do you take an asbestos air sample?
An industrial hygienist may use a diaphragm or a rotary vane pump to collect an air sample, often used for sampling an area after abatement work. Personal air pumps are used by asbestos workers while working to monitor their level of asbestos exposure. A flexible clear plastic tube is attached to the pump on one end, and a PCM or TEM cassette is stuck on the other end to collect an air sample.
Once the sample is taken, it is then sent to an asbestos testing lab for analysis using Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) to measure airborne fibers in an occupational environment; however, this type of research cannot distinguish fiber types. You may ask why conduct this test if it cannot tell you that the fibers are asbestos? This analysis is conducted when you already know that you have asbestos present and that it has been disturbed. For example, you have a popcorn ceiling texture in your home that you want to be removed. You take a piece of the asbestos containing-material and send a sample for asbestos testing to be analyzed by an asbestos testing lab for the presence of asbestos.
Once the lab receives your mail-in asbestos sample, they place it under Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) to determine the presence, type, and percentage of asbestos in the material. Suppose that during the analysis, the lab determines that the material contains asbestos; they will prepare the results for you, showing their analysis findings. After a few days, the asbestos testing lab will send you the test results by email, whatever the results may be—positive for asbestos or not. You get the results, and you are disappointed to find out that your sample tested positive for asbestos. But at least, you’re glad that you know this information before you and your friends proceed with the removal of the asbestos-containing material yourselves, putting your health at risk due to high asbestos exposure.
Armed with this information, you search for a local asbestos abatement company to perform the removal of the popcorn ceiling texture. They are well equipped and take all the necessary precautions to remove the asbestos-containing material safely. But In the process of removing the asbestos-containing material, the asbestos fibers are disturbed and become airborne.
Despite taking all the appropriate safety measures, some of these asbestos fibers can escape containment and end up in your air space, creating a health risk that can lead to lung cancer if exposure limits are excessive. To mitigate this risk, the Environmental Protection Agency has recommended limit standards of asbestos exposure—0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter.
When should I get an asbestos air test?
An asbestos air test should be conducted immediately after removing the asbestos-containing material that was tested positive for asbestos. This test is performed to ensure the fiber count is below the recommended EPA limit of 0.1f/cc.
Can I perform an asbestos air test myself?
You could perform an asbestos air test yourself if you have the know-how and all the necessary equipment. Still, it might be less costly and wiser to hire an AHERA consultant or Industrial Hygienist with all the tools and expertise to conduct the sampling. The inspector also will send samples for asbestos testing to an asbestos testing lab for analysis on your behalf. The consultant will create a full report with a certificate and will also be able to interpret the results and make recommendations that can save you money.
How long does it take to do an asbestos air test?
The sampling portion of an asbestos air test can take anywhere between an hour to a couple of hours per sample. However, the testing part performed by the asbestos testing lab can most likely get you the results between 1-7 business days from receipt depending on which TAT (turn-around-time) option you choose, and even the same-day service is sometimes available.
Asbestos testing cost
It can cost between $200-$500 or $350 on average to perform a complete asbestos air test by a professional, including the sampling and lab work. The above cost varies within this price range depending on how many rooms you want to sample.
Asbestos Testing Lab
Suppose you want to get an asbestos air test contact 5 Microns Inc for assistance. You can also send a sample for asbestos testing and we can provide the results within 2-3 days from receipt. 5 Microns Inc will be pleased to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the process and cost of getting an asbestos air test.
Asbestos testing lab near me
5 Microns Inc.
7100 Fort Dent Way #100
Tukwila, WA 98188
M-F 9-5, Sat 9-3:30
Asbestos testing near me
If you need an asbestos lab to test your building material for asbestos, 5 Microns Inc can help. We provide asbestos testing and deliver the results within 24-hours from receipt and same-day service. Our standard turn-around time is 2-3 business days. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for details Call 425-440-8787 Now!. The chain of custody form can be found at 5microns.tech/forms
