Asbestos is a kind of fibrous mineral that is highly fire resistant. It was popularly used in construction until the late 1980s, when it was started to be recognized as a health risk. Asbestos is not at all hazardous in a static form, but when a product which contains asbestos is bothered, it can emit small fibers that are tremendously harmful when breathed in. A test can reveal very low levels of asbestos fibers that could still be dangerous.
In the asbestos testing process, people normally take a small sample of the material that they consider to contain asbestos. The sample is then sent to a laboratory, which uses highly sensitive equipments to identify asbestos fibers. As this process is dangerous, many safety organizations advise that people should approach professionals to gather samples for testing. Asbestos testing is mandatory before remodeling an older building or if the floor tiles and insulation is completely exposed or damaged.The best way to check asbestos is to ask a professional who is familiar with the substance to visit the site once. The sole method to get accurate results for asbestos testing is to send a sample of it to a laboratory. Some companies even sell asbestos testing kits to consumers so that they could gather their own samples. Those who choose to do this should be very cautious and must wear face protection during sample collection.
If asbestos is found in an asbestos test, the owner of the building may require to give a call to highly trained contractors who are familiar with the procedures for handling asbestos in order to eliminate the material. They can ensure whether it is safely and legally disposed off or not. Treating asbestos properly is very much required, although the process involved is quite expensive. It can also protect the health of those who may use the structure in question.
Asbestos-Testing Process
Most homeowners do not want to opt for asbestos testing as they feel that the cost of laboratory testing will be very high. There are even cheaper ways to ensure that your home is safe. Either you can send samples to a laboratory or hire an inspector to visit your home to collect the samples.
Methods of Asbestos Testing
Solid and Friable Materials
This is the cheapest method. Several laboratories offer mail-away testing. In this method, you have to cut out a small sample of the material in question, put it in a sealed bag and mail it to the laboratory.
The types of materials you can send to a lab include:
Sheet vinyl
Popcorn ceiling
Floor tile
Ceiling insulation
Wallboard
Mastic
Exterior cement tile siding
You will get the lab reports within one or two weeks from where you will get to know whether the sample material you sent for testing is positive or negative for the same.
Dust Samples
The cost of this method is considerably high. If you only have a sample of dust as a sample to send for lab examination, the cost will be tremendously high. For the dust samples method, the laboratories would ask you to collect about 1 teaspoon full of dust. If you are unable to collect that much dust, simply use a moist tissue to wipe the dust and put that in an enclosed bag. Since this dust sampling method requires an electron microscope, the cost of this process becomes thrice as high compared to traditional asbestos testing method.
Thus, people should always test for asbestos when they are looking forward to purchase an old home or other structure. In certain regions, such testing is compulsory for the sellers.
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