A new house to you has a popcorn ceiling and needs new lighting, but you’re worried that asbestos may be present. So before your disturb any of the material by scrapping and cutting holes, you want to make sure that there is no asbestos present, but if there is, special precautions will need to be made to protect your family from dangerous asbestos fibers.
In 1978, the EPA banned the use of asbestos in some products. If your house was built before 1978, you might have several items containing asbestos. Since asbestos is a carcinogen, it is a significant cause of cancer, and smokers are at a higher risk.
There is no need to test for asbestos unless you are disturbing asbestos-containing material. Asbestos is dangerous only if it becomes airborne but does not pose a danger if it is not disturbed. You can obtain a sample of the material yourself, but you need to follow some instructions for safety. You should wear a half-face mask with P100 cartridges made to block asbestos fibers from getting into your lungs. High-density polyethylene coveralls, protective eyewear, latex gloves, and shoe covers are highly recommended.
Because asbestos is a dangerous material to work with, it would be best to let a professional do the job, especially if you are planning a major renovation or if the building will be demolished. The expert will perform what is known as an AHERA survey. The consultant will collect samples according to regulations, document the whole process, and prepare a report.
Asbestos testing lab
The samples will need to be examined by an asbestos testing lab using Polarized Light Microscopy or Transmission Electron Microscopy. A report indicates the presence, type, and percentage of the asbestos material.
Asbestos testing lab near me
Need an asbestos test? Contact 5 Microns Inc. we can assist you with all of your asbestos testing needs. We offer same-day asbestos testing. We can also test for lead, radon, mold, drinking water, and air quality. We are open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. You can also drop off or mail your samples to us. Call 425-440-8787 Now!
Mail-in samples to the following address:
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 general 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!
