It’s a commons misconception in the United States—asbestos was ultimately banned from being used in all products since 1978. Unfortunately, not. You’re probably surprised, but the fact is that the US government only started to place regulations on asbestos during the 70’s and place bans on the use of asbestos on some products, and allowed the continued use of the material in a wide range of items such as automotive parts and building materials.
Suppose your house was built anytime between 1940 to the present; there is still the possibility that some of the materials contain asbestos, albeit in low quantities. The items still using this wonder mineral are vinyl sheeting and mastic, joint compound, Chinese drywall, roofing material, gaskets, brake pads, etc. Nothing compares to asbestos for strengths, fireproofing, insulation, and adhesive strength.
How to test for asbestos
Say you want to open a wall separating your kitchen and living room, or you want to replace vinyl sheeting. You will likely be required to have it tested for asbestos to be granted a permit from your local building department and satisfy the demands of your contractor. But don’t worry, you can test for asbestos yourself in a breeze. Buy an asbestos testing kit from your local hardware store or online and follow their instructions. Many labs offer asbestos testing services and provide the directions to do this for your safety. Still, if you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can also hire an asbestos testing professional. The samples will be sent to an asbestos testing lab for analysis under Polarized Light Microscopy.
Asbestos testing cost
Expect to pay between $20-$60 for a do-it-yourself home asbestos testing kit, but a professional will add $300 to that cost. Still, it may be well worth it, and in some cases, required by a contractor and the state before you can disturb the asbestos-containing material.
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 us for details at 425-440-8787? Email clientservices@5microns.tech.
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 piece (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
5 Microns Inc. Sample Drop Box
Asbestos testing lab near me
5 Microns Inc.
7100 Fort Dent Way #100
Tukwila, WA 98188
O 425-440-8787
C 206-536-0264
M-F 9-5, Sat 9-3:30
Asbestos
Mold
Drinking-Water
Radon Gas
Air Quality
Testing Lab
MBE, DBE: D3M0026650
