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. 

Asbestos (Amosite) Viewed Under Microscope.jpg

Typical precautions include:

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*:WaterLand
PA02,945,049
LA612,256,400
TX01,737,200
AR1,000568,227
VA0480,000
Major Industries*:WaterLand
Asbestos products3,0052,510,227
Alkalis, chlorine1,9732,256,404
>Industrial organic chems01,230,000
Asphalt felts, coatings5871,067
Auto parts0563,694
Petroleum refining0314,560
Plastic pipes0235,200
Shipbuilding, repairing0211,400