Asbestos Testing

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicates. They have properties that make them useful for insulation or binding materials in buildings. When asbestos becomes damaged or disturbed, the asbestos fibers become airborne and can be inhaled. We provide asbestos testing to determine if a material in your home contains asbestos.

The most commonly encountered asbestos is Chrysotile, Amosite, and Crocidolite.

Six Types of Asbestos

Chrysotile

Known as White Asbestos, it is the most commonly used type of asbestos. It has strong heat-resistant properties and can be found in roofs, floors, walls, and ceilings of buildings. It is also used for cars such as brake lines and gaskets.

Anthophyllite

Rare type of asbestos. Anthophyllite was not very used in products, and it may have a grey, dull green, or white color. Anthophyllite can be found in insulation products and construction materials.

Amosite

Known as Brown Asbestos, it is the second most commonly used type of asbestos. It can be found in thermal insulation products, insulation boards, cement, and pipe insulation. Like chrysotile, it is also used in gaskets.

Tremolite and Actinolite

Tremolite

Not very commonly used in products and known to have strong heat-resistant properties. While this may not be used commercially, it can be found as contaminants of Chrysotile Asbestos.

Crocidolite

Known as Blue Asbestos, It is less heat-resistant than Chrysotile. When damaged, the fibers are extremely thin, leading to more lung damage than any other asbestos type. Crocidolite is used to insulate steam engines, spray-on coatings, plastic and cement products.

Actinolite

This amphibole asbestos, known for its greenish color, poses serious health risks due to its thin, fibrous structure that can be easily inhaled. When damaged, its fibers can lead to significant lung damage, including lung cancer and asbestosis, making it a considerable health hazard in products like insulation and concrete. Proper handling of materials containing this asbestos is crucial to prevent exposure.

AIB = Asbestos Insulating Board

Inside

A. Asbestos Cement Water Tank
B. Pipe Lagging
C. Loose Fill Insulation
D. Textured Decorative Coating. Eg. Artex
E. AIB Ceiling Tiles
F. AIB Bath Panel
G. Toilet Seat and Cistern
H. AIB Behind Fuse Box
I. AIR Airing Cupboard and/or Sprayed Insulation Coating Boiler
J. AIB Partition Wall
K. AIB Interior Window Panel
L. AIB Around Boiler
M. Vinyl Floor Tiles
N. AIB Behind Fire

Outside

O. Gutters and Asbestos Cement Downpipes
P. Soffits – AIB or Asbestos Cement
Q. AIB Exterior Window Panel
R. Asbestos Cement Roof
S. Asbestos Cement Panels
T. Roofing Felt

NextDay Inspect offers asbestos testing as an add-on to home inspection services. Only one primary area of concern is tested for asbestos, with additional charges for each area beyond that. Our team thoroughly documents all findings for transparency and accuracy. By reviewing environmental sample report examples, clients can better understand the analysis process and the detailed results provided., clients can understand the analysis process and results, empowering them to make informed decisions about remediation or further testing. For those seeking a comprehensive evaluation, we recommend exploring our environmental services overview, which details testing options and associated costs. Collaborating with our experts allows property owners to proactively address potential environmental hazards responsibly.

Where Can Asbestos Hide?

1) Walls and Ceiling

Due to the age of many homes, asbestos may be present in the walls and ceilings. Checking these concealed spaces is an important step when assessing the risk of asbestos exposure.

2) Floors

Due to the construction materials used in older homes, asbestos may be present beneath floor coverings or in subfloor layers. Inspecting the flooring is an important step when evaluating possible asbestos risks.

3) Roofing and Siding

Because older roofing and siding materials often contained asbestos, this hazardous material may be concealed in those areas. Inspecting roofing and siding is an important precaution when assessing the potential presence of asbestos.

4) Pipes and Boilers

Because pipes and boilers in older buildings were often insulated with asbestos-containing materials, hazardous fibers may be hidden beneath insulation or lagging. Carefully inspecting pipes and boilers is an important part of identifying potential asbestos risks.

Asbestos Effect on Health

When asbestos is disturbed or damaged, it releases asbestos fibers that can be easily inhaled. When it is inhaled, asbestos has harmful effects on the human body. It can leave scars in the lung tissues. Being exposed to asbestos for an extended period can lead to lung cancer, disabilities, and even death.