How To Identify Materials That Contain Asbestos

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There is no easy way to tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by simply looking at it, unless of course it is labeled. If you are not sure always treat the material as if it does contains asbestos or have it sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional. Sampling should be done by a professional since they know what to look for and because there may be an increased health risk if fibers are released during the sampling process. If sampling is done incorrectly it can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone. Taking samples yourself is not recommended. If you choose to take the samples yourself take extreme care not to release asbestos fibers into the air or onto your clothing. Any material that is in good undamaged condition and will not be disturbed (by remodeling, for example) should be left alone. The only material that should be sampled is material that is damaged or that will be disturbed. If you plan on sampling asbestos-containing materials be sure to educate yourself with as much information as possible on the handling of asbestos before sampling, and at a minimum you should observe the following procedures:

  • There should be no one else (human or pets) in the room when the sampling is done.
  • Wear disposable gloves or wash hands after sampling.
  • Use a quality brand dust filter face mask.
  • Shut down any heating, cooling systems, and ceiling fans to minimize the spread of any released fibers.
  • Take care to not disturb the material any more than is needed to take a small sample.
  • Place a disposable plastic sheet on the floor below the area to be sampled.
  • Wet the material with a spray bottle that has the ability to spray a fine mist of water that contains a few drops of detergent before taking the disturbing the area. The water and detergent mix will reduce the release of asbestos fibers.
  • With a razor knife, corer, or other sharp object carefully cut a piece from the entire depth of the material.
  • Plut the small piece into a clean container, a good choice would be a 35 mm film canister, a small glass or plastic vial, or a quality brand resealable plastic bag).
  • Be sure to tightly seal the container after the sample is in the container.
  • Dispose of the plastic sheet by folding it in on itself and then put it in a plastic garbage bag. Use a wet paper towel or a tack cloth to clean up any material on the outside of the container or around the area that you just sampled and then seal in the same plastic garbage bag
  • Be sure to dispose of any asbestos materials as prescribed by state and local procedures.
  • Clearly label the container with an identification number and state when and where the sample was taken.
  • As the sampled area dries patch the sampled area with a small piece of quality duct tape to prevent any fiber release.
  • Send the sample to an asbestos analysis laboratory accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). A directory of NVLAP-accredited laboratories is available on the NVLAP web site . Your state or local health department may also be able to help.