What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers that resist heat, fire, and chemicals. Because of those properties, asbestos was used in many building materials, especially during the mid-20th century.

Asbestos in a building does not automatically signal danger. The main concern is that damaged or disturbed material can release microscopic fibers into the air. It is impossible to tell whether a material contains asbestos just by looking at it; testing is the only way to determine whether asbestos is present in a provided sample.

What materials may contain asbestos?

Asbestos has been found in a wide range of building materials, including:

•  Pipe and boiler insulation

•  Vinyl floor tile and the adhesive beneath it

•  Sheet flooring and flooring backing

•  Joint compound and plaster

•  Textured ceilings

•  Ceiling tiles

•  Roofing and siding materials

•  Cement board and cement pipe

•  Caulk and other sealants

This is not a complete list. For many years asbestos was used as a binder or an insulator in nearly any material you can think of. Older building materials are generally more likely to contain asbestos, however age and appearance cannot confirm whether a particular material does.

Before collecting a sample

If a material is in good condition and will not be disturbed, it is usually best to leave it alone. If it is damaged or will be disturbed during renovation, consider having a qualified asbestos professional assess it and collect any needed samples. Collecting a sample yourself can release fibers if done improperly. See the EPA’s guidance for homeowners for more information.

If you choose to collect a sample yourself, contact us first if you are unsure whether the material is suitable for sampling. Our test kit provides containers, basic protective equipment, and submission instructions; it does not replace professional assessment or appropriate precautions.

How we test layered materials

One piece of building material can contain several distinct layers. For example, a floor tile may have black adhesive, often called mastic, on the back. The tile and mastic are different materials, so LAW Analytical analyzes and charges for each layer separately. We do not combine layers into a single test result.

If you want us to test only a particular layer, please note that clearly on your chain-of- custody form or contact us before submitting the sample. Your report will show the results for each material analyzed.

Sample size and packaging

For a solid material such as floor tile or sheet flooring, a piece roughly the size of a credit card is generally sufficient. For loose material, provide enough to loosely fill a plastic sandwich bag. Please avoid sending more material than needed.

Seal each sample in its own bag or other secure container, and label it so it matches your chain-of-custody form. Place the sealed samples together inside a second bag or container. We cannot accept loose, unsealed samples.

If you are using a LAW Analytical asbestos test kit, place individual samples in the small bags labeled 1 through 5. Once sealed, put those bags inside the larger quart-size bag supplied with the kit.

Drop-off and mailing

You can hand-deliver samples to:

LAW Analytical

41 Spring Hill Rd

Saco, ME 04072

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

You may also mail samples using the carrier of your choice. Include a completed chain- of-custody form in the package. We cannot begin processing samples received without that form.

Disclaimer

Laboratory testing is not a building inspection. A single piece of material does not serve as proof a material does not contain asbestos. Building materials as a rule are ‘non-homogenous’, meaning their composition is uneven. One section of tile may have no asbestos, whereas another piece of the same tile will. If you require any information beyond whether a specific piece of material contains asbestos, contact a licensed asbestos professional to perform a certified inspection.