Asbestos cannot be identified by visual inspection alone — laboratory testing is the only reliable way to confirm whether a material contains asbestos. Hire a certified asbestos inspector to collect samples and have them analyzed by an accredited laboratory.
When to Test
- Before renovation or demolition of a building constructed before 1990
- When purchasing a home built before 1980
- When water damage affects older building materials
The Testing Process
- Hire a certified asbestos inspector — never collect samples yourself
- Samples are collected using EPA protocols
- Samples are analyzed at an NVLAP-accredited lab using polarized light microscopy
- A report identifies the type and percentage of asbestos
What If Asbestos Is Found
- Leave it alone — intact, undisturbed asbestos in good condition
- Encapsulate — apply sealants or protective coverings
- Remove — only by licensed asbestos abatement contractors