How To Use an At-Home Asbestos Testing Kit
Asbestos Project Management has another way you can test for asbestos in your home. We’re the leading asbestos abatement company in the Chicagoland area and our top priority is keeping your family safe from the dangers of asbestos. We offer affordable testing kits that allow you to get results in less than half the time of a traditional asbestos inspection.
With our at-home testing kits, you can begin your journey to an asbestos-free environment in no time. You may have some questions about the process though, and we want to assure your safety the entire time during the testing process.
Step 1: Collect the Samples
Everyone knows you cannot tell if your building has asbestos by just looking at it with the naked eye. All materials must be treated as if they contain asbestos, so it’s very important that you do not disturb the material any more than is needed to collect the sample.
Collecting the samples is probably the longest part of the testing kit process, but it’s so important that it’s done right. You’ll want to wet the material using a fine mist of water before taking the sample, the water mist will reduce the possibility of releasing asbestos fibers.
Next, you’ll want to carefully cut or scrape a piece from the entire depth of the material using, a small knife, corer, or other sharp objects. Make sure you only cut or scrape a small piece of the material. Materials can be grouped into two categories, friable and non-friable and there are certain amounts that are best for testing:
- 1 teaspoon is best for friable samples(ones that can be crushed into powder by hand)
- 1 square inch piece is needed for non-friable samples(typically found in floor tiles and siding)
After you cut or scrape the material, you’ll place the small piece into a clean container, preferably a ziplock bag, and tightly seal the container once the sample is safely in it. It’s important that you DO NOT use tape of any kind. We do ask that you label the container with an ID number, like Sample #1 and we suggest writing your name on the bag as well. Also, make sure that you clean up any material on the outside of the container or around the area where you sampled it with a damp paper towel and dispose of it.
There is some other information to keep in mind as well when collecting your samples
- If you’re sampling acoustic ceiling sprays that cover more than 1,000 square feet, we do recommend taking three samples from different ceiling spots. By testing three areas, you’ll receive a more accurate answer.
- Vermiculite samples need to be much larger, we suggest scooping it from the floor, so the sample includes heavier particles, and collecting anywhere from a half to a full cup is best.
- We advise to not sending dust samples. Dust samples require further analysis from Transmission Electron Microscope(TEM), which we do not currently provide at this time.
Step 2: Complete the Submittal Form
You can fill out the submission form for your samples on our website, or there is a printable version as well. We recommend filling out the form on our website for a quicker turnaround time. Also, note down the information you send to Asbestos Project Management for your own record.
It is important to provide us with an email address where we can reach you. We’ll send your report and any other information you may need via email. However, when filling out your submission form, you can let us know about additional ways to contact you in the comments box.
Information About Layers
- The most common samples we see are flooring pieces, like floor tiles and their adhesives, multiple layers of floor tiles and linoleums, or multiple layers of roofing.
- Don’t count the layers in drywall/texture, a single layer of linoleum(vinyl top plus backing), plaster/finish coat, or painted ceiling tiles as separate samples.
- We do ask that you indicate the number of layers on the form. Especially, if you’re including a layered sample and only want one analyzed, indicate which layer you would like results on. For example, if you’re sending a floor tile with an adhesive and only want the adhesive tested, write adhesive in the sample description.
Our testing fees are
- $50 for the 1st sample
- $25 for each additional sample
Step 3: Ship Your Samples
Prepare the package with your samples in it safely. Ensure the sample bags are closed tight, and please DO NOT use tape to seal them. If you’re not sure about the zip-lock seal or if the bags are wet, it is a good idea to double bag them.
If you used the online submission form, be sure to include the invoice attached to your confirmation email in the package. Otherwise, include the printable form and your check or money order in the package as well. Ensure all important information is safely secured inside of the package. Also, please write your name clearly on the packaging, this is very important if your package only includes your samples and invoice. We will use your name to retrieve your form and verify your payment.
You can ship your samples using any shipping service, however, if you are in a hurry for results, we do recommend using UPS or FedEx. It is important, that you DO NOT declare the contents of your package as hazardous, it will delay your shipment. If you are asked about the contents, tell the carrier you’re sending materials from your home for testing.
If you’re mailing your samples to us through USPS, ensure you have enough postage on the package. Even if you are sending your samples in a regular envelope, a single stamp may be insufficient. We suggest having the postage calculated at the Post Office just to be safe.
If you have the tracking number, you can email it to us, so our team can monitor the shipment.
You can ship your samples to:
Asbestos Project Management
13400 S Route 59, Ste 116 #280
Plainfield, IL 60585
Step 4: Get the Results
When the samples arrive, we verify the payment is included or has been submitted online and begin the testing process. You should receive the results by email within 1-2 business days. The email will be from asbestosprojectmang@yahoo.com with the subject line “Address Associated With The Samples”
Please note, if the payment has not been received by us, we put the samples on hold and contact you by phone or email for payment.
This is an easy and cost-effective way to test your home for asbestos. If the test comes back and there are traces of asbestos in your home, we do suggest scheduling asbestos abatement services as soon as possible.
Begin the at-home testing kit process today and submit your samples to find out if asbestos is in your home. Find more information on the kit here.
Back To Blog