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BETTESWORTHConstruction
asbestos

What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos in Your Home

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Stop any work that could disturb the material. Don’t touch, cut, drill, sand, scrape, sweep, or vacuum it, and keep people and pets away if it is damaged. You usually cannot tell whether a material contains asbestos just by looking; if it is damaged or renovation may disturb it, contact a locally qualified asbestos inspector. Intact material that will remain undisturbed is often best left in place.

What to do right now

  1. Stop work nearby. Pause renovation or maintenance that could affect the suspect material. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises: “If you suspect material contains asbestos, don’t touch it.” EPA homeowner guidance.
  2. Do not disturb or clean it. Don’t cut, drill, sand, scrape, sweep, or vacuum the material or debris. Do not carry debris through the home. Ordinary household cleanup can spread fibers rather than safely contain them.
  3. Limit access if it is damaged. Keep household members and pets away and reduce activity in the area while you arrange professional advice. For extensive damage or a spill, contact local environmental health authorities or an asbestos professional for direction; cleanup requirements vary by location.
  4. Do not take a sample yourself. EPA says, “Taking samples yourself is not recommended.” Incorrect sampling can create more hazard than leaving the material alone. Ask a qualified inspector about assessment and have samples analyzed by a qualified laboratory.

Can you identify asbestos by looking?

No reliable visual check can confirm asbestos. Color, texture, building age, and photographs are not enough to establish what a material contains. EPA says, “The only way to be sure whether a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a qualified laboratory.” EPA’s identification guidance.

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Asbestos may be present in older home materials such as siding, cement and plaster, floor or ceiling tiles, roofing products, and insulation. Health Canada notes that asbestos was used in homes before 1990, mainly for insulation and fireproofing. These examples and dates are reasons to be cautious before renovation, not proof that any particular material contains asbestos. Health Canada: Asbestos and your health.

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Should you leave it alone or arrange an assessment?

Situation Practical response
Material is intact and will remain undisturbed Usually leave it in place. EPA says asbestos material in good condition is generally best left alone. Monitor its condition visually without touching it.
Material is damaged, crumbling, or debris is present Keep people and pets away, avoid disturbing or cleaning it, and contact a qualified asbestos inspector for advice.
Planned renovation, repair, or maintenance could disturb it Pause the work and arrange professional assessment before proceeding. Testing is appropriate when suspect material is damaged or the planned work may disturb it—not as a blanket requirement for intact material that will not be disturbed.

Asbestos-containing material in good condition and left undisturbed is unlikely to release fibers. Damaged or disturbed material can release fibers that may be inhaled. EPA guidance.

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How to arrange testing and professional work

Ask an inspector to assess the material

A trained asbestos inspector can assess the condition, determine whether sampling is appropriate, and advise on next steps. Have the inspector take any needed samples; a qualified laboratory should analyze them. Qualifications and licensing requirements differ among states, provinces, territories, and local jurisdictions, so verify what applies where you live. EPA notes that federal accreditation rules for detached single-family homes differ from requirements imposed by some states and localities. EPA guidance on inspectors and contractors.

Use a qualified contractor if repair or removal is needed

If asbestos is confirmed and work is necessary, a qualified asbestos contractor can determine whether repair or removal is appropriate. Repair may involve sealing or covering the material; removal is not automatically required. Do not attempt either job yourself. Check local requirements for contractor qualifications, notifications, and disposal before work begins; they vary by jurisdiction.

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Take extra care with vermiculite insulation

If you find vermiculite insulation, treat it as potentially contaminated and leave it undisturbed. Do not use an attic containing it for storage, and do not try to remove it yourself. EPA, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, and Health Canada advise caution around this insulation. Health Canada also advises keeping children out of areas with vermiculite and sealing gaps between the attic and living space as appropriate. CCOHS: Asbestos in the Home; Health Canada guidance.

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Quick Recap

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We perform Asbestos PLM analysis by EPA Method 600/R-93 for (1) sample.; Your results will be ready within (5) business days of your kit arriving at our lab.
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We perform Asbestos PLM analysis by EPA Method 600/R-93 for (1) sample.; Your results will be ready within (3) bus. days of your kit arriving at our lab.
$38.95
Best Value
Asbestos Test Kit 1 PK (3 Bus. Days)
  • SLGi Home Test Kits includes sampling tools, a return shipping label, instructions, and analysis.
  • We perform Asbestos PLM analysis by EPA Method 600/R-93 for (1) sample.
  • Your results will be ready within (3) bus. days of your kit arriving at our lab.
  • Your sample takes 1–5 bus. days to reach our lab.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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