Testing For Asbestos
If you fear that materials in your home may contain harmful asbestos fibers, don’t delay. Have your suspect asbestos-containing material tested by our EPA approved, NVLAP accredited asbestos testing laboratory.
Steps for Submitting Your Sample:
Follow the EPA sampling guide instructions, download a sample submission form, select the turnaround [TAT] that you would like your results, then send your sample[s] along with payment to the laboratory.
Mail your sample[s] to:
United States
EMSL Analytical, Inc.: 200 Route 130 North Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
Canada
EMSL Canada, Inc. 2756 Slough Street Mississauga, ON, L4T 1G3
If you wish to use a local laboratory listed below for your Asbestos Testing, click on the map below and mail samples to that Laboratory
Asbestos can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. It is crucial to have materials tested by an accredited asbestos testing lab like EMSL for definitive analysis.
Asbestos Sampling Guide
Asbestos consultants are trained in the proper collection of samples for asbestos analysis.
Typical precautions include:
- Make sure no one else is in the room when sampling is done.
- Wear disposable gloves or wash hands after sampling.
- Shut down any heating or cooling systems to minimize the spread of any released fibers.
- Do not disturb the material any more than is needed to take a small sample.
- Place a plastic sheet on the floor below the area to be sampled.
- Wet the material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent before taking the sample. The water/detergent mist will reduce the release of asbestos fibers.
- Carefully cut a piece from the entire depth of the material using, for example, a small knife, corer, or other sharp object.
- Place the small piece into a clean container (for example, a 35 mm film canister, small glass or plastic vial, or high quality resealable plastic bag).
- Tightly seal the container after the sample is in it.
- Carefully dispose of the plastic sheet. Use a damp paper towel to clean up any material on the outside of the container or around the area sampled. Dispose of asbestos materials according to state and local procedures.
- Label the container with an identification number and clearly state when and where the sample was taken.
- Patch the sampled area with the smallest possible piece of duct tape to prevent fiber release.
Sample Submission Forms
Please choose from one of the two forms below based on your geographic location:
United States
EMSL Analytical, Inc.:
200 Route 130 North
Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
Canada
EMSL Canada, Inc.
2756 Slough Street
Mississauga, ON, L4T 1G3
Interpreting Test Results
What are the permissible exposure limits for asbestos?
The following exposure limits are for the workplace environment for fibers longer than 5 micrometers.
OSHA
The legal airborne permissible exposure limit [PEL] is 0.1 fiber/cc [fiber per cubic centimeter] averaged over an 8-hour workshift and 1 fiber/cc not to be exceeded during any 30 minute work period.
NIOSH
The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 fiber/cc [fiber per cubic centimeter] averaged over an 8-hour workshift.
ACGIH
The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.2 crocidocite. 0.5 amosite, 2 chrysotile and other asbestos, fibers/cc.
Asbestos is a CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be NO safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest level possible.
EPA Facts
Asbestos Releases to Water and Land, 1987 to 1993 (in pounds):
| Top 5 States*: | Water | Land |
| PA | 0 | 2,945,049 |
| LA | 61 | 2,256,400 |
| TX | 0 | 1,737,200 |
| AR | 1,000 | 568,227 |
| VA | 0 | 480,000 |
| Major Industries*: | Water | Land |
| Asbestos products | 3,005 | 2,510,227 |
| Alkalis, chlorine | 1,973 | 2,256,404 |
| >Industrial organic chems | 0 | 1,230,000 |
| Asphalt felts, coatings | 5 | 871,067 |
| Auto parts | 0 | 563,694 |
| Petroleum refining | 0 | 314,560 |
| Plastic pipes | 0 | 235,200 |
| Shipbuilding, repairing | 0 | 211,400 |