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Asbestos testing lab—How do you test popcorn ceiling for asbestos?

By August 11, 2021October 4th, 2021Asbestos
How do you test popcorn ceiling for asbestos?

Want to get rid of that hideous-looking popcorn ceiling in your house? Most people feel the same way about this type of texture on their ceilings. It is used for acoustic and decorative purposes, even in newer construction. But before you decide to remove this material, you should be aware that any building built before 1978 used asbestos in popcorn texture, so if your home predates that year, there is a good chance that it will contain asbestos. It would be best to get it tested before removing it to prevent asbestos fiber from becoming airborne. Even though it was banned for use in the ceiling texture in 1978, the stockpile that remained was still being used, so it’s not uncommon to find asbestos in ceiling texture in homes built up to the early 1980s.

How to test for asbestos

Anyone can test for asbestos, all you have to do is follow some basic instructions, and you can save yourself a good bit of money, but keep in mind that this is best only if you are only testing one item for asbestos. If you plan to test multiple asbestos-containing materials, it would be wise to hire a certified asbestos inspector as things can become complicated.  All you need is a good knife, a half mask with P-100 magenta cartridges, a couple of lockable sandwich bags, latex gloves, a sturdy stool or ladder, and eye protection. Cut a small piece of about 3 square inches and place them in the bag; label the bag with a number and location. Make sure to get at least two samples from two different corners.

After you have finished getting your pieces, take your samples to a local asbestos testing lab that is accredited. If one is not near you, look online for an asbestos testing lab. Once the laboratory receives your samples, they will place them under Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) for analysis.

Asbestos testing cost

An accredited asbestos testing lab will charge around $25-$40 per sample to test for asbestos. If you want to hire a professional, which is highly recommended for multiple rooms and a high number of pieces, the inspector will charge you around $300 for the service plus the cost of the samples to be tested.

Asbestos testing lab

Need something tested for asbestos? 5 Microns Inc offers asbestos testing services with next day and even same day service available. We are open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Saturday from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Call 425-440-8787 Now!

Asbestos testing near me

If you have a big remodeling project or a demolition, you need to hire a professional asbestos survey of the property. Your local building department will likely require it. Don’t hesitate to contact 5 Microns Inc. for assistance. We can perform a complete asbestos survey by our certified asbestos inspectors.

 Call 425-440-8787 Now!

5 Microns Inc.

7100 Fort Dent Way #100

Tukwila, WA 98188

5microns.tech/locations

Asbestos testing lab near me

5 Microns Inc.

7100 Fort Dent Way #100

Tukwila, WA 98188

5microns.tech/locations

Where can I send a sample for asbestos testing?

5 Microns Inc.

7100 Fort Dent Way #100

Tukwila, WA 98188

Mail-in asbestos testing

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).

*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