You’ve hired a contractor to remodel your basement in a 1960’s house so you can turn it into a family entertainment room. You want to remove the old vinyl sheeting and the ceiling tile. Still, the contractor tells you that before he can pull this material, you will need to confirm whether or not this material contains asbestos by taking a sample of each to be analyzed by an asbestos testing lab.
You can hire a certified AHERA consultant—AHERA stands for Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response act. This individual can perform the task of conducting a survey of your home for the presence of asbestos in building materials and provide a full report with a certificate.
Can you test for asbestos yourself?
The less expensive route is to do it yourself. To have the ceiling tile tested, you first find a good corner where you can get your sample, use a small sandwich bag or jar, and label it with a number and location; next, find a good safe ladder and get yourself a sharp knife and some latex gloves. You should also wear a mask or respirator, preferably a P100. Cut at least two pieces from different corners of the 3-inch square each, making sure you also get the glue, if any, and place it all in the bag or container. Do the same thing for the vinyl floor tile. Once you have the pieces, you will need to locate an asbestos testing lab in your area, or you can find one online to either drop them off or mail them to test for asbestos. Make sure to follow the asbestos lab directions correctly. The asbestos testing lab will analyze the material using polarized light microscopy.
Asbestos testing cost?
It can cost between $20-50 per sample to test for asbestos. But if you decide to hire a professional to do the work, you can expect to add $250-$200 on top of the sample cost. The benefit of hiring a professional is making sure the job is performed correctly and safely. There is also the benefit of getting expert advice in the process.
Where can I send a sample for asbestos testing?
5 Microns Inc.
7100 Fort Dent Way #100
Tukwila, WA 98188
Asbestos testing lab
5 Microns Inc.
7100 Fort Dent Way #100
Tukwila, WA 98188
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
*PLEASE NOTE FOR ALL DROP-OFFS: All samples must be dropped off at the back of the office building located at 7100 Fort Dent Way Tukwila WA outside the Tabor 100 Office and placed inside the black drop-box pictured below. Do not take your samples to the front desk. The front desk will not accept drop-offs over the counter, NO EXCEPTIONS
Asbestos testing lab near me
5 Microns Inc.
7100 Fort Dent Way #100
Tukwila, WA 98188
5 Microns Inc. Sample Drop Box
