Having an asbestos test performed is a smart move before a renovation or demolition. Asbestos is an airborne fiber that can cause serious illness if inhaled. It may be found in many common building materials, such as roof shingles, flooring, popcorn ceilings and textured paint. In the United States, the EPA has set the guidelines for sampling and testing.
The most efficient method is to hire a licensed professional. An investigator will visit the job site and take samples. The samples will be sent to a certified laboratory to be analyzed. The results will be returned within a few weeks. The lab will inform the inspector if the materials are suspect or contain no asbestos. Some labs offer a reduced rate for additional samples. The most expensive form of asbestos testing is conducting an asbestos dust sample. This can cost three times as much as conventional asbestos testing.
Another method for doing a small scale asbestos test is to make use of a wet wipe. Simply spray the area with water, then wipe away the dust. This will help reduce the amount of dust in the sample.
An asbestos consultant will be able to determine whether or not your home has asbestos in it. Asbestos is a dangerous material and can be present in all kinds of building materials, including drywall, roofing, flooring, paint, insulation and pipe fittings. These products will disintegrate and release asbestos fibers when subjected to friction.
The EPA recommends that workers do not disturb or disturb the materials that contain asbestos. This may seem like an obvious rule, but it is still worth following. It is also best to wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and gloves. A HEPA filtered face mask can also help. A properly sealed bag can be used to contain the sample.
The most important thing to remember when performing a DIY asbestos test is to follow the proper safety precautions. This includes wearing single use protective gear such as a dust mask, gloves and eye protection. A trash bag is also useful for putting the samples in.
The number of samples required to complete an asbestos test is based on the size of the contaminated area. A sample of five to 100 grams will do. It is important to note that this is the average weight of asbestos in a typical house, not the actual weight.
The most effective method of testing the amount of asbestos in a specific material is polarized light microscopy. This technique allows the laboratory to measure the mineral-specific properties of the fibers. It is one of the most commonly used types of asbestos testing. It is not as accurate as PCM, but it is still a good idea to use it.
The most practical way to perform an asbestos test is to have a professional handle the process. An asbestos consultant can be found by searching for a certified professional on your local public health department website. This professional will have the necessary equipment to identify and remove asbestos-containing materials from your home.