Northwest Abatement Services, Inc. (located in Tacoma, WA) does testing and removal of environmental hazards like asbestos and lead. Their phone number is (253) 588-0440. For a free estimate, you can fill out a form on their website. The URL is http://www.nwabatement.com/estimates.html
If you're wanting someone to come test for asbestos, I would suggest going to www.epa.gov/asbestos/. There they tell you everything you need to know about asbestos and where you can locate a laboratory to test for it.
Yes. In materials installed in 1980 and earlier, some of the surface texturing materials WAS asbestos. The OSHA Construction standard for asbestos (1926.1101) requires that all thermal insulation, and surface texturing used in 1980 and earlier be considered to PRESUME to be asbestos until a lab test shows it is not. Now, having said that, if you have a popcorn ceiling, please do not rush to the den and start scraping it off. Not all popcorn is asbestos, and the danger of asbestos is inhaling it-so don't start making dust. There are several means of dealing with asbestos. If you are a construction worker, and encounter old popcorn ceilings, inform your supervisor, and ask that it be considered asbestos until examined by a qualified asbestos surveyor. It should also be mentioned that, while the use of asbestos in manufacturing acoustic texture was banned in the seventies and eighties,a lot of the material was already on the market.Some contractors had purchased pallets of the material, as it was so popular.So just because your house may have been built after the ban on asbestos,always use the appropriate particle mask and mist the ceiling with water before and during removal. Proper disposal is important also.It is best to use plastic sheeting to capture the material,then fold the material up in the plastic,and keep it sealed.Overall it is best to hire professionals to handle the removal of acoustic "popcorn"texture.
An asbestos screen is a test to find traces of asbestos in certain places. These screens are usually in old buildings.
No. The only way to accurately identify asbestos is by a laboratory test, typically using polarized light microscopy. Many things will not burn- one of which is asbestos.
Exposure to asbestos will likely compromise the immune system because of the long-term stress to the body. The test for asbestos exposure does not affect the immune system.
An asbestos test should always be performed by trained professionals with the correct safety equipment as asbestos is harmful to human health. However, samples can be taken by a layperson if care is taken, and then sent to a laboratory for testing.
form_title=Have Asbestos Removed form_header=Asbestos can be a danger if it becomes active in the home. Have it removed to ensure safety How old is the building?=_ Where in the house is asbestos?=_ Has anyone encountered health problems through contact with the asbestos in question?= () Yes () No
It's very likely that it COULD be. It's fairly simple to find out. Head down to your local hardware store and obtain an asbestos test kit. The kit will give you directions on how to take a sample and send it in to get the results. I STRONGLY suggest that you test any time you are uncertain so that you can take the appropriate action to protect your health and the health of everyone who enters your home.
You get an expert to come in an test for it.
Asbestos kits can be purchased at HAZMAT supply stores and safety product retails stores. Amazon also sells safety kits such as the asbestos kind in various sizes.
form_title=Have Your House Tested for Asbestos form_header=Asbestos can be a danger to the health of your family and pets. In what year was your house built?=_ Have you ever previously tested for asbestos using self test kits?= () Yes () No What kind of insulation materials are used in the house?=_
Many older homes are still in use with asbestos siding. As long as the asbestos is not damaged and is sealed off, there is little danger at the moment. If the asbestos is damaged or frayed, the home is possibly dangerous and the siding should be removed. To prevent asbestos from becoming a threat, cover it with vinyl or have it painted over with a thick layer of vinyl paint.