The area where the sample was taken is patched with plastic sheet drywall or tape to prevent suspected fibers from spreading.
How to test siding for asbestos.
The asbestos network recommends bringing in a professional to collect samples.
Simply place a one inch by one inch piece of the building material you wish to test for example ceiling tile floor tile roofing etc.
This prevents any stray fibers from becoming airborne.
The only way to be sure whether your siding contains asbestos is to have it tested.
Use a utility knife or similar tool to cut a sample of the material.
Check the national voluntary laboratory accreditation program for a list of epa certified asbestos testing lab that will take your sample and follow their instructions for submission.
While an expert lab test using polarized light microscopy may be needed to identify the specific type of asbestos fiber or to identify the presence of asbestos in air or dust samples many asbestos containing building products not only are obvious and easy to recognize but since there were not other look alike products that were not asbestos a visual identification of this material can be virtually a certainty in many cases.
Many manufacturers made their products to look like asbestos free products so it is not really possible to determine if your siding contains asbestos just by looks.
Shut off any heating or cooling units and close all doors and windows that might create a draft.
You can easily send a sample to a lab is you suspect that it may contain asbestos.
A highly effective and inexpensive fire retardant material and thermal and acoustic insulator asbestos was used extensively in home construction from the early 1940s through the 1970s.
The name has its origin in the greek word for inextinguishable.
Generally asbestos testing kits work in a two step process.
A small sample of the material which might be or contain asbestos is placed in a sealable container to be sent to a lab for testing.
Step by step check list for collections asbestos testing samples.
Check the manufacturer and product name on the insulation label and do a web search to find out if it contains asbestos.
The date of the building or material can also tell you a lot about asbestos risk.
Look online for a lab near you to have a test performed on your siding and ensure the safety of your home and family.
Second you mail the findings to a laboratory and after a few days the results are sent back to you.
Pre paid postage envelope was included in the kit.
