Home Asbestos Testing

The commercial form of asbestos testing can be very expensive. Many asbestos testing kits are also retailed but the accuracy of their results is arguable. Thus, it is better that you are aware about some easy-to-follow, home-based asbestos testing methods.

Asbestos Testing Basics

Asbestos testing is generally recommended for every type of building. However, if you have a house that is older than a decade, testing for asbestos becomes critical. This is because earlier, asbestos was extensively used as a building material, as its harmful effects weren’t known. Even now, asbestos use for heat and electrical insulation is still widespread. The most assured manner of asbestos testing is to collect a sample and send it across to a government-authorized testing center. Many self-to-do kits are sold for collecting the samples too but these are an unnecessary expenditure. You can collect a testing sample, by using the following information.

Asbestos Testing Sample

The most common form of asbestos contamination is asbestos dust. This dust is invisible to the eye, consisting of very small, microscopic particles. For collecting a sample of asbestos dust, the misting method is useful.

Identifying Potential Asbestos Contamination

There are many sources of asbestos contamination besides the usual suspects like tiled surfaces and aged crawlspaces. Some commonly-neglected areas that have a high probability of asbestos contamination include:

• Rooms with extensive ductwork. Most domestic ducts are made of metal or cellulose, having an insulating, asbestos layering.
• Rooms containing radiator/heat systems. The pipe wrap of most heating systems use asbestos as a heat insulator.
• Areas with traditional wiring circuits. This form of electrical wiring used the knob-and-tube wire arrangement that uses asbestos as an electrical insulator.

Getting Prepared for Misting

Prepare yourself with a facemask and plastic gloves. You shouldn’t vacuum or clean the suspected area before testing for asbestos. Ideally, homeowners should be asked to stay-away from the designated area for at least two days, before the testing. Always turn-off the ventilation and heating/cooling appliances before collecting the sample. Such appliances have the tendency to suck-away the dust particles. Using a new or washed plastic sheet is recommended. Spread the sheet on the floor. You need to fill a spraying/misting bottle with water.

Misting the Area

Spray the area repeatedly, ensuring that the mist is dispelled in every part of the room. The presence of moisture in the air ensures that the dust is no longer suspended and it begins to settle on the plastic sheet. Using the scissors, cut-out a small section of the plastic sheet—this is your testing sample. Place this sample in a plastic bag and label it with your ID number and date/time of collecting the sample. Send the sample to an EPA-accredited, asbestos-testing laboratory.

Awaiting Asbestos Testing Results Safely

Areas that are known to have high traces of asbestos include the wall and floor tiling and roofing material like shingles and siding. However, these surfaces generally don’t release asbestos dust unless they are harmed. Therefore, you shouldn’t disturb such surfaces until you receive the test results. However, if handling such surfaces is unavoidable, it is advisable to follow some precautions. If you are planning to clean these surfaces, remember to use the appropriate, protective gear. Such gear can be rented from hardware supply stores. If someone exhibits initial signs of asbestos inhalation like labored breathing or sudden bouts of coughing, immediately seek medical help.