Asbestos Testing Labs & Asbestos Sample Collection Guide
Asbestos testing services

Asbestos test lab lists: this article directs you to lists of certified asbestos testing laboratories.

Watch out: Testing for asbestos can be difficult, particularly in some materials such as flooring. Be sure to use only a certified asbestos test laboratory if you need to identify asbestos-containing materials (or probable-asbestos) in flooring and floor tiles, insulation, roofing, paints, mastics, or other asbestos-suspect products.

This article series offers help with asbestos testing, asbestos removal, and the identification and handling of asbestos insulation.

Asbestos Test Lab Lists Show Where to find an Certified Asbestos Testing Laboratory: NIST, NVLAP, & State Agencies

Below you will find a list of sources for certified asbestos testing laboratories. Why don't we just list individual asbestos lab contact information? Because labs may come and go, or gain or lose or change certifications. The asbestos test lab list sources we give in this reference are maintained by agencies charged with keeping the list and test lab certifications current.

InspectAPedia is an independent publisher of building, environmental, and forensic inspection, diagnosis, and repair information provided free to the public - we have no business nor financial connection with any manufacturer or service provider discussed at our website. We do not sell products nor services.

Question: where do I send a sample of my popcorn-painted ceiling to be tested for asbestos? J.P. New York City

Reply: use a certified asbestos testing laboratory listed by your home state

Most state and provincial governments regulate and certify asbestos testing laboratories, and we recommend that where there are health, legal, or cost concerns, you should only use a certified and competent asbestos testing laboratory to examine material samples for asbestos content.

Article Contents

• ASBESTOS TESTING LAB LIST
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in AUSTRALIA
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in CANADA
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in FINLAND
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in INDIA
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in KOREA
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in NEW ZEALAND
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in SINGAPORE
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in SWEDEN
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in the UK
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in the USA
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in the USA - EXAMPLE REPORTS
  • ASBESTOS TESTING SAMPLE COLLECTION - separate article
  • ASBESTOS TEST SAMPLE COLLECTION PROCEDURE - details included here
  • ASBESTOS TEST LAB REPORTS

Where to Find a Certified or Accredited Asbestos Testing Laboratory in Any U.S. State

The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) maintains a listing of accredited asbestos laboratories under the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP).

The NIST web page given just below permits you to find accredited asbestos testing laboratories in your U.S. tate as well as listing asbestos test labs labs in other countries. Asbestos testing labs and certifications for other countries are also given further below in this article.

An NVLAP directory of accredited asbestos test labs using the PLM (Polarized Light Microscopy) test method for asbestos fiber analysis is found at

NIST ASBESTOS TEST LABS- PLM / TEM https://www-s.nist.gov/niws/index.cfm?event=directory.search#no-back

How to use this link

1. Under "Program" select "Asbestos Fiber Analysis" then under "Country" select your country of choice, for example "United States"
2. Press the Search button. This will show you a long list of accredited laboratories in the country you selected.
3. Order the list by clicking City or State
4. Get the Lab Contact Information by clicking on the Lab Code number in the left column of the liste
   
   Optionally, if you know the name or NVLAP code of a specific laboratory you can enter that to review its NIST NVLAP certification

Asbestos Testing Lab Accrediting Agencies

• NIST: National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce, Website: http://www.nist.gov/
  NIST, itself a U.S. government agency, sponsors the NVLAP program listed below
• NVLAP: National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program, 100 Bureau Dr., M/S 2140, Gaithersburg MD 20899-2140, Tel: 301-975-4016, Email: nvlap@nist.gov , Website: www.nist.gov/nvlap
  Website Excerpt:
  
  The National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) provides third-party accreditation to testing and calibration laboratories in response to legislative actions or requests from government agencies or private-sector organizations.
  
  NVLAP-accredited laboratories are assessed against the management and technical requirements published in the International Standard, ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
  
  Information about the NVLAP Asbestos Fiber Analysis Lab Accreditation Program can be found at http://www.nist.gov/nvlap/asb-lap.cfm
  Excerpt:
  
  The NVLAP Asbestos Fiber Analysis program provides assurance that laboratories are competent to analyze asbestos samples using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and/or transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
  
  The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), enacted in 1986, requires that laboratories that analyze asbestos samples taken from public, or private, elementary or secondary schools, to be accredited by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP).

American Asbestos test lab listings in individual U.S. states

1. "Asbestos Fact Sheet: An Information Sheet for Parties Dealing with Asbestos." Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 7 November 2007 .
2. "Asbestos Regulation Frequently Asked Questions." Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 7 November 2007 .
3. CA Labs, LLC, 12232 Industriplex, Suite 32, Baton Rouge LA 70809, Tel: 225-751-5632, NVLAP #200772-0, and other certifications.
4. "Candidate Information Booklet for the Asbestos Consultant and Asbestos Contractor Licensure Examination." Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Bureau of Education and Testing. 7 November 2007 .
5. New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, "ELAP Labs Certified for Asbestos", web search 04/16/2011, original source: http://www.wadsworth.org/labcert/elap/asbestos.html. Additional contact information for the Wadsworth Center: David Axelrod Institute Wadsworth Center NYS Department of Health P.O. Box 22002 Albany, New York 12201-2002
6. Or contact the New York State Department of Health Corning Tower Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237 - Public Health Duty Officer Helpline 1-866-881-2809.
7. "Asbestos Regulation Frequently Asked Questions." Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 7 November 2007 .
8. "Candidate Information Booklet for the Asbestos Consultant and Asbestos Contractor Licensure Examination." Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Bureau of Education and Testing. 7 November 2007
9. Western Analytical Lab, NVLAP accredited # 20037,Western Analytical Laboratory, Inc. 12734 Branford Street, #19 Arleta, CA 91331 Phone: (818) 899-0949 Fax: (818) 899-0399 Email: info@asbestostesting.com offering worldwide services [sic] Website: http://www.asbestostesting.com/
   If you live outside of the United States and would like to have samples tested for asbestos, please follow our Step-by-Step Guide [Excerpted below] for sample collection and submittal.

Example of U.S. Asbestos Test Lab Analysis & Reports

In 2019 we sent fourteen test samples of various materials to EMSL, a large testing laboratory with offices in multiple U.S. cities. Here are some example results.

Below is a low magnification stereoscopic microscope PLM photograph of this flooring sample, our sample ID No. 5, showing asbestos structures or "fragments" - photo by special request, prepared by EMS-Lab.

Special thanks to lab management and tecnicians at EMS Lab, a national U.S. testing laboratory who, among other services, provides asbestos testing for both environmental professionals and for the general public.

Below is the complete set of asbestos test lab results for all of our fourteen samples submitted in December 2019 and completed by 23 January 2020.

• ASBESTOS TEST DESCRIPTION: PLM and TEM EPA 600/R-93/116) [PDF] 2020-01-23, used for InspectApedia.com asbestos test analysis via two methods, polarized light microscopy (low magnification stereo microscopy) and transmission electron microscopy (at about 20,000x) PLM EPA 600/R-93/116 (< 1%) & TEM EPA 600/R-93/116 (<0.01%).
  
  for samples No. 001-005 and 008-014.
  
  This report includes Phase 1 - PLM photographs of samples 003, 004, 005, 009.
  
  The lab provided only photographs of samples in which by Phase 1 PLM asbestos structrues were detected.
  
  Excerpts:
  
  Phase 1 Results (PLM):
  
  During PLM examination asbestos structures were observed on samples three, four, five, and nine. And, no asbestos was detected on samples one, two, eight, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, and fourteen as described in EPA/600/R-93/116, Appendix A
  
  Phase 2 Results (TEM)
  
  The non-organically bound samples were analyzed with a transmission electron microscope (TEM) at approximately 20,000 X magnification. Asbestos structures are identified by a combination of morphology, quantitative elemental chemistry via Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDXA), and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED).
  
  No asbestos was detected oim samples 042000629-0001, 042000629-0010, 042000629-0011.
  
  The detection limit for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) via EPA 600/R-93/116 is based on fiber dimensions, the density of the asbestos type(s) detected and the area analyzed.
  
  Interferences for this method include but are not limited to: Non-regulated asbestos minerals such as the two polymorphs of chrysotile, lizardite and antigorite;
  
  Non-regulated amphiboles such as winchite and richterite, and pyroxenes; cleavage fragments of the regulated asbestos types which may at times have morphologies and aspect ratios similar to the true asbestiform varieties;
  
  clay minerals that can have similar morphology to asbestos such as sepiolite and palygorskite; and all non-asbestos particulate, fibrous or not, which can partially or completely obscure asbestos fibers. Samples that were tested for this report are subject to the limitations expressed herein.
  
  
• ASBESTOS TEST RESULTS SUMMARY [PDF] 2020/01-18-20, Test Report: Asbestos Analysis of Bulk Materials via EPA 600/R-93/116 Method using Polarized Light Microscopy EMSL Ord No. 042000629 2019-12-26 for samples No. 001-005 and 008-015. For samples 001-005, and 008-014
  
  Sample No. 01: see details at TEST of CEMENT ASBESTOS ROOF SHINGLE for ASBESTOS - 01 - Portofino Italy, fiber cement roof
  
  Sample No. 02: see details at MANUFACTURED / SYNTHETIC SLATE ASBESTOS CONTENT - 02
  
  ASBESTOS TEST RESULTS for TILE & SHEET FLOORING - more reports on floor tile & sheet flooring asbestos testing
  
  Sample No. 03: see details at 1960-1969 VINYL FLOOR TILE ASBESTOS TESTS - 03
  
  Sample No. 04: see details at 1960-1969 VINYL FLOOR TILE ASBESTOS TESTS - 04
  
  Sample No. 05: see details at MARBLE CHIP PATTERN FLOORING ASBESTOS - 05
  
  Sample No. 08: see details at ASBESTOS FIREPROOFING SPRAY-On Coatings - 08 Bowrey Bank, NYC, Fire-resistant spray coating
  
  Sample No. 09: see details at ASBESTOS PIPE INSULATION - 09 - Corrugated Asbestos Paper Pipe Insulation, basement heating system, NYC apartment building built ca 1900.
  
  Sample No. 10: see details at TEST of ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLE ASBESTOS - 10 Debris from asphalt shingle roof, Houston TX
  
  
Sample No. 12: see details at CEILING TILE ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION - 12-13 - 1962 acoustic ceiling tile, TH MN

Sample No. 13: see details at CEILING TILE ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION - 12-13 - 1962 acoustic ceiling tile, TH MN

Sample No. 14: see details at SHEATHING, FIBERBOARD ASBESTOS CONTENT - 014 Insulating Fiberboard panel, Atlanta GA


• ASBESTOS TEST REPORT: Asbestos analysis of ca 1965 FLOOR TILE from a NEW YORK HOME [PDF] 2020/01/23 Test Report (PLM NYS 198.6 NOB and TEM NYS
  
  1960-1969 ASPHALT FLOOR TILE ASBESTOS TEST - 06 - ca 1965 Asphalt based floor tile using special methods required by NY State
• ASBESTOS TEST REPORT: Asbestos Analysis of Non-Friable Organically Bound Materials by TEM via EPA/600/R-93/116 Section 2.5.5.1 [PDF] 2020/01/22 Test Report: Asbestos Analysis of Non-Friable Organically Bound Materials by TEM via EPA/600/R-93/116 Section 2.5.5.1
  
  For samples 001, 010, 011
  
  Sample No. 01: see details at TEST of CEMENT ASBESTOS ROOF SHINGLE for ASBESTOS - Portofino Italy, fiber cement roof
  
  Sample No. 10: see details at - TEST of ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLE ASBESTOS - 10 Debris from asphalt shingle [?] roof, Houston TX
  
  Sample No. 11: see details at ASBESTOS ELECTRICAL WIRE INSULATION
  
• ASBESTOS TEST REPORT, VERMICULITE, ZONOLITE [PDF] 2020/01/23 (TEM Qualitative Filtration) Lab report summary.
  
  For our sample no. 042000629-0007
  
  Test result: Libby Amphibole < 4 fibers observed
  
  Sample No. 07: see details at MUNN & STEELE VERMICULITE, MICA-FIL, Siscoe Vermiculite Mine
• ASBESTOS TEST DETAILS, VERMICULITE, ZONOLITE [PDF] 2020/01/23 The sample was sent for analysis via TEM Qualitative Filtration - Qualitative Asbestos Analysis by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Filtration Technique
  
  Sample 07: Results (TEM) The samples were analyzed with a transmission electron microscope (TEM) at approximately 20,000 X magnification. Asbestos structures are identified by a combination of morphology, quantitative elemental chemistry via Energy Dispersive X- Ray Analysis (EDXA), and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED).
  
  042000629-0007 During TEM examination asbestos was detected on the sample.
• Contact: EMSL Analytical, Inc., 200 Route 130 North, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 USA, Tel: 856-303-2500 - Fax: 856-786-5974 - Toll Free: 800-220-3675
  Lab Hours: Mon-Friday 7AM-10PM, Saturday 8AM-5PM, Sunday On-Call.
  
  Some of the resources EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers to our clients:
  
  LABConnect https://extranet.emsl.com/
  
  Order Products http://www.emsl.com/ProductCatalogHome.aspx
  
  Client Corner http://emsl.com/Page.aspx?ID=420
  
  Training http://emsl.com/Training.aspx
  
  Additional Resources http://emsl.com/Links.aspx
  
  Sampling Videos http://www.emsl.tv/
• EMSL CHAIN of CUSTODY FORM (ASBESTOS BULK SAMPLES) [PDF]

ELAP: Individual State Voluntary Lab Testing Programs for Asbestos Test Lab Certification

• Watch out: not all U.S. state ELAP programs that approve labs for environmental testing approve those labs for asbestos testing. Instead the program may cover water testing or other health topics. Be sure that the asbestos testing lab you use is certified for asbestos testing using PLM or TEM methods as described in the U.S. NIST - NVLAP program above.
• ELAP - New Jersey Asbestos Test Lab State Certification?: a search of the New Jersey ELAP website for the term "Asbestos" produced no results. In New Jersey the ELAP program appears focused on water testing and other environmental and health-related tests. (2016/04/19 - further review needed)
  Website: http://www.elapservices.com/industry-related-links/new-jersey-health-care-quality-institute
• ELAP- New York State: Environmental Testing Laboratory Approval Program, New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center PO Box 509 Environmental Laboratory Approval Program Albany , NY 12201, Tel: 518-485-5570
  Website: www.wadsworth.org/regulatory/elap
  Website Excerpt:
  
  The Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) of the Wadsworth Center was established in 1984, under Section 502 of the Public Health Law and is responsible for the certification of laboratories performing environmental analyses on samples originating from New York State, thus ensuring the accuracy and reliability of these analyses. (Air & EMissions, Drinking Water, Non-Potable Water, Solid and Hazardous Waste, Medical Marijuana)
  
  The ELAP website contains links to our certified laboratories for these fields of analysis: radiochemistry, radon, TCLP, lead testing, and asbestos and fibers (http://www.wadsworth.org/labcert/elap/elap.html).
  
  The website also contains links to ELAP’s certified commercial and non-commericial laboratories. Laboratories are listed alphabetically by NY county, and then alphabetically by out-of-state and foreign laboratories.
  
  The scopes posted are partial. If you are looking for laboratories certified for a specific matrix-analytemethod/technology (e.g., non-potable water-E. coli (enumeration)-Colilert (ELAP method code 1020), or want the laboratories’ full scope of accreditation, you will need to either call or email ELAP to run the query from our database.
  
  Unfortunately we had considerable trouble accessing the NY NVLAP list of approved asbestos testing laboratories

Example Asbestos Sample Collection Procedure

Note: depending on where you live and the specific situation, licensing may not be required to obtain an environmental sample for asbestos or other materials.

The following is excerpted from asbestos sampling procedures recommended by the U.S. EPA and published by various asbestos test laboratories including Western Analytical, a U.S. asbestos testing laboratory in California and serving international clients.

Asbestos Sample Collection

(Original Source: US Environmental Protection Agency)

Note: You cannot be sure that a material contains asbestos by just looking at it with a naked eye. Therefore, treat all suspect material as if they contain asbestos.

• Shut down any heating or cooling systems to minimize the spread of any released fibers.
• Do not disturb the material any more than is needed to take a small sample.
• Wet the material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent before taking the sample. The water/detergent mist will reduce the possibility of releasing asbestos fibers.
• Carefully cut/scrape a piece from the entire depth of the material using, for example, a small knife, corer, or other sharp object.
• Cut/scrape only a small piece of the material. All materials can be grouped into two categories: friable, i.e. the material can be crushed into powder by hand (e.g Acoustic ceiling spray), and nonfriable (e.g. Floor tile, Siding).
  
  These amounts are adequate for testing:
  
  For friable samples - 1 teaspoon
  For nonfriable samples - 1 square inch piece
• Place the small piece into a clean container (for example, a ZipLock bag). Tightly seal the container after the sample is in it.
• Use a damp paper towel to clean up any material on the outside of the container or around the area sampled.
• Label the container with an ID number (for example, Sample #1)
• Submit the sample(s) for testing

Special Notes on Asbestos Test Sample Collection for other Types of Materials

• For acoustic ceiling (popcorn ceiling) material, three samples from different locations is strongly recommended if it covers more than 1,000 sq. ft (the total cost for three samples is lab dependent by typically under $100. USD).
• The mastic or glue/adhesive under floor tile or linoleum is a separate sample and subject to a separate charge. (the total cost for flooring and adhesive is $50).
  
  Do not scrape the adhesive, just send an approximately square inch size sample with attached adhesive/masti. As long as the adhesive is visible under the flooring material, we'll separate it ourselves.
• For vermiculite insulation, collect at least one tablespoon instead of one teaspoon of material. Take a sample from the attic floor or the bottom part of wall cavity. Testing at least two samples from different spots in the attic is recommended.
• Do not send Dust or Soil/Dirt samples. These cannot be accurately analyzed by Polarized Light Microscope (PLM). Dust samples require analysis by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) which we currently do not provide.
• Sample Submittal and Payment: follow the instructions from the test laboratory you have selected
• Place the container with the sample(s) in a suitable mailing envelope.
  Please fill out an Electronic Submittal Form, submittal form, chain of custody or other forms requested by the asbestos test lab you have selected.
  
  As long as your name is on the shipping envelope and/or sample bags, the test laboratory connect your form to your samples. If you prefer not to send you info online, use either a printed Html Submittal Form or the PDF Type-able Form to include with your sample(s).

• Western Analytical Lab, NVLAP accredited # 20037,Western Analytical Laboratory, Inc. 12734 Branford Street, #19 Arleta, CA 91331 Phone: (818) 899-0949 Fax: (818) 899-0399 Email: info@asbestostesting.com offering worldwide services [sic]
  
  Website: http://www.asbestostesting.com/stepbystep.htm If you live outside of the United States and would like to have samples tested for asbestos, please follow our Step-by-Step Guide [Excerpted below] for sample collection and submittal.

Certified Asbestos Testing Laboratories in Various Countries

List of Accredited Asbestos Test Laboratories in Australia

In Australia the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia, maintains lists of accredited service providers. Search the NATA website given below for "Asbestos Testing"

• ASBESTOS TEST LABS in AUSTRALIA at NATA

Asbestos Test Laboratories in Canada

[Citations needed] Pending a centralized Canadian list of licensed asbestos testing laboratories we list some individual Canadian asbestos test labs here.

The [bracketed numbers are accreditation nunmbers under AHERA, the U.S. Public Law 99-519, Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act [1986]. Other accreditations may apply in Canada.

• Chatfield Technical Consulting Limited, Mississauga Ontario L5B 1Y8, Canada [101103- 0]
• Epoch Analytical Inc., Coquitlam BC (lower mainland) & Abbotsford BC (Fraser Valley), adhering to CALA & NVLAP Certification requirements. Website: www.ealabs.ca
  
  Coquitlam Location: #100 - 42 Fawcett Road, Coquitlam, BC V3K 6X9 Phone: (604) 521-6806 Fax: (604) 521-6873 Emergency 24 hour service: (604) 521-6806 E-mail:info@ealabs.ca
  
  Fraser Valley Location: #103 – 2602 Mount Lehman Road Abbotsford, BC V4X 2N3 Phone: (604) 776-3370 Fax: (604) 521-6873 Emergency 24 hour service: (604) 521-6806 E-mail:receptionfv@ealabs.ca
  
  
• LEX Scientific Inc., Guelph Ontario N1H 2T3, Canada [101949- 0]
• Pinchin Environmental Ltd., Mississauga Ontario L4Z 1R9, Canada [101270- 0]

Asbestos Test Laboratories in India

• SGS Environmental Testing, locations in South, West, East & North India Website: http://www.sgsgroup.in/
  Start at SGS South, 28B/1, 28B/2, 2nd Main Road Ambattur Industrial Estate Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 058 India t +91 (0) 44 6608 1600 /1700 / 1800, +91 (0) 87 54 44 6594 (Regional Branch Manager) f +91 (0) 44 2652 3314
• Spectro Group, Asbestos Testing in India, Tel: +91-11-405 22 000 Website: http://www.spectrogroup.com/asbestos.aspx

Asbestos Test Laboratories in Korea

• ETS Consulting, Seoul 135-930, Korea

New Zealand Asbestos Test Laboratories

• Precise Consulting & Laboratory,
  Email: admin@preciseconsulting.co.nz
  Website: http://www.preciseconsulting.co.nz/contact/
  Tel: 0800 002 712
  • North Island asbestos testing locations in
    • Auckland asbestos testing
      Phone: +64 9 282 3886
      Unit 1, 30 Greenpark Road
      Penrose
      Auckland 1061
      New Zealand
    • Wellington asbestos testing
      Phone: +64 4 282 1101
      PO Box 38121, Te Puni Mail Centre
      Level 2, 10 Hutt Rd
      Petone
      Lower Hutt 5012
      New Zealand
    • Palmerston North asbestos testing
      Phone: +64 6 324 0579
      31 Macarthur Street
      Feilding 4702
      New Zealand
  • South Island asbestos testing locations
    • Christchurch asbestos testing
      Phone: +64 3 943 5394
      Unit 4, 91 Byron Street
      Sydenham, Christchurch 8023
      Christchurch 8023
      New Zealand
    • Dunedin asbestos testing
      186 Macandrew Road
      South Dunedin
      New Zealand
• Also see ASBESTOS FLOORING IDENTIFICATION 1950's or LATER in New Zealand
• Also see PINEX CEILING TILES - in New Zealand

List of Accredited Asbestos Test Labs in the U.K. & Advice on Surveying & Testing for Asbestos in the UK

In the United Kingdom the U.K. Accreditation Service (UKAS) maintains a list of nearly 500 accredited asbestos testing laboratories.

• See ASBESTOS TEST LABS in the UK: UKAS List
• Or go directly to the UKAS WEBSITE and search there for "Asbestos Testing"
• Or use the UKAS testing laboratory "single search" web page
• Or call the UKAS at +44(0) 20 89178400

Examples of Certified Asbestos Test Labs in the UK & providers of DIY Asbestos Test Kits in the UK

• Note: for a complete list of all UK asbestos test labs see the UKAS list and website that we identify above.
• ASI Environmental, nationwide asbestos testing, ASI Environmental Ltd, 6 Testwood Lane, Totton, Southampton, SO40 3AQ UK Tel: 0330 100 0881, Offices in Southampton, Loughborough, London. Email: info@asi.co.com Website: http://www.asi-asbestos-surveys.co.uk/
• Bradley Environmental, Birmingham Office - Head Office 20 Stourbridge Road Halesowen West Midlands B63 3US Tel: 0121 550 0224 Fax: 0121 550 0641 Email: info@bradley-enviro.co.uk offices in Birmingham, Blackpool, Wakefield, St. Asaph (N. Wales) https://www.bradley-enviro.co.uk/
• Cornerstone, asbestos testing services & DIY asbestos test kits, Cornerstone, Unit M31, Marshwood Business Park, Marshwood Close, Canterbury, CT1 1DX., Tel: 01227 656232, Email: support@diyasbestostesting.co.uk Website: http://www.diyasbestostesting.co.uk/
• Pass UK asbestos specialist, PASS (UK) Ltd. Litton House Global Business Park Saville Road Peterborough Cambs PE3 7PR Telephone: 01733 843385 Website: http://www.passukltd.co.uk/asbestos-testing.html
• Pennington Choices Asbestos Testing Kit, £39.99–£99.99, Pennington Choices Ltd, The Old Barn, Brookfield House, Grimsditch Lane (off Tarporley Road), Norcott Brook, Cheshire, WA4 4EA Head office and Glasgow 0800 883 0334 Website: http://www.pennington.org.uk/product/asbestos-testing-kit/
• Western Analytical Lab, NVLAP accredited # 20037,Western Analytical Laboratory, Inc. 12734 Branford Street, #19 Arleta, CA 91331 Phone: (818) 899-0949 Fax: (818) 899-0399 Email: info@asbestostesting.com offering worldwide services [sic] Website: http://www.asbestostesting.com/
  If you live outside of the United States and would like to have samples tested for asbestos, please follow our Step-by-Step Guide for sample collection and submittal.

Asbestos Sample Collection in the UK: the Basics

Sampling for asbestos does not require a license in the UK. Here is some basic asbestos sampling advice adapted (very slight edits) from the UK Health and Safety Executive HSK:

• The ASBESTOS SURVEY GUIDE, HSE Publications, UK [free PDF], retrieved 2016/09/21 original source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg264.htm
  
  This heavily illustrated publication is aimed at people carrying out asbestos surveys and people with specific responsibilities for managing asbestos in non-domestic premises under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
  
  The book covers competence and quality assurance and surveys, including: survey planning, carrying out surveys, the survey report and the dutyholder's use of the survey information. It includes extensive appendices and references.
  
  This guidance has been prepared by the Health and Safety Executive (with the help of others, see Acknowledgements) to help people carrying out asbestos surveys and those with specific responsibilities for managing the risks from asbestos in non-domestic premises under regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012).1
  
  It is also designed to provide guidance in situations where surveys may be carried out for other purposes, eg for ‘managing’ asbestos in domestic premises under wider health and safety legislation and for meeting the requirements of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM).2 It complements and supports other guidance on managing asbestos.
• If [the asbestos material] has already broken off, you can take the sample yourself if there is no risk of spreading debris or exposing yourself to dust.
  • Watch where you walk!
  • Dampen the sample
  • Place it in a self-sealing polythene bag Put this in a second self-sealing bag.
  • Label it. [Date, location in building, address, sample person, contact person, other chain of custody form suggestions
    
    - see this US example CHAIN OF CUSTODY FORM for ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES for mold that works well for other environmental samples too - Ed. ]
  • Make arrangements for analysis by a UKAS accredited asbestos-testing laboratory. (See related UKAS links above)
• Otherwise, engage a UKAS accredited asbestos-testing laboratory to take samples. (See related UKAS links above)
• Point out your site hazards to sampling teams, including means of safe access to heights. Provide them with keys, etc.
• You and your employees should keep well away during sampling. The samplers normally need respiratory protection.

Scandanavian Test Labs for Asbestos

Scandanavian certified asbestos testing labs are listed here.

Finland Test Labs for Asbestos

• SGS Laboratories asbestos testing
  SGS Inspection Services Oy
  P.O. Box 128
  Särkiniementie 3
  Helsinki, FI-00211
  Finland
  t +358 9 696 3701
  f +358 9 692 4673
  Website: http://www.sgs.fi/

Sweden Test Labs for Asbestos

• ALS Scandinavia AB asbestos testing
  Street address: Aurorum 10
  Postal code: SE-977 75
  City: Luleå
  Phone: 0920-28 99 00
  Fax: 0920-28 99 40
  E-mail: info.lu@alsglobal.com
• ALS Global Stockholm asbestos testing
  Street address: Rinkebyvägen 19c
  Box number: Box 700, SE-182 17 Danderyd
  Postal code: SE-182 36
  City: Danderyd
  Phone: +46 (0) 8-5277 5200
  Fax: +46 (0) 8-768 3423
  E-mail: info.ta@alsglobal.com
  Website: https://www.alsglobal.se

Singapore Asbestos Testing Labs

• TÜV SÜD PSB Pte. Ltd. asbestos testing
  1 Science Park Drive
  Singapore 118221
  T +65 6778 7777
  F +65 6779 7088
  Website: http://www.tuv-sud-psb.sg/
  
  Excerpt: TUV SUD utilises internationally accepted test standards and methodologies to detect the presence, type and quantity of asbestos. Our laboratories are accredited under the SAC (Singapore Accreditation Council) to ISO 17025 requirements. The results enable building or ship owners, building contractors etc to take the necessary precautionary measures to comply with WSHE regulations and NEA requirements, among others

Example of a Certified Asbestos Material Testing Laboratory Report

As the New York State Department of Health has pointed out about ELAP Labs Certified for Asbestos:

A laboratory performing analysis for Asbestos and Fibers by optical microscopy identifies bulk asbestos using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and fibers in air using phase contrast microscopy (PCM). [1]

And even though McCrone Research and other expert sources provide reliable procedures for reliable identification of asbestos in floor tiles by polarized-light microscopy, according to that same New York agency:

Asbestos in air and asbestos in floor tiles can only be definitively identified by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analyses.) [1]

A possible explanation for that contradiction is that in addition to asbestos fibers there may be ultrafine non-fibrous asbestos filler material in various products that are more difficult to identify by PLM.

An example of a simple asbestos test report from a certified asbestos testing lab is shown in this

ASBESTOS TEST LAB REPORT.

However as we point out

at ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION IN BUILDINGS it is often quite easy to recognize asbestos-containing materials in buildings by visual inspection. There are some "asbestos lookalike" materials that could cause confusion, and there are some materials such as floor tiles whose asbestos content cannot be identified by eye.

But other materials such as certain heating pipe insulation, asbestos millboard, certain asbestos fabricsand others, can readily be identified by eye, and other materials can be identified as likely to contain asbestos based on the product and its age or date of manufacture.

See ASBESTOS TEXTILES

Details about proper and safe removal of asbestos materials are found

at ASBESTOS REMOVAL, Amateur, Incomplete

and ASBESTOS REMOVAL CERTIFICATIONS.

Reader Question: where can I send a sample of the floor tile I removed without protection?

Hi where can i send a sample of the tile i removed without protection i didnt not know about asbestos was until i was watching a tv show n know it to late all the tile is up n in a bunch of pieces an triping out cus i had my little girl aroud when i was doing this i need help to determine if this tile contain asbestos there r 9x9 n r brown with black adhesive the house was built in 1962. - C.R. 3/13/2013

Reply: Where to Find a Certified or Accredited Asbestos Testing Laboratory for flooring samples: 7 Suggestions

C.R., you can use any test laboratory certified for asbestos testing. Check out the asbestos lab contact information lists we give in the article above.

Both the US EPA and many U.S. states or Canadian provinces maintain lists of currently-approved asbestos testing labs.

Most state and provincial governments regulate and certify asbestos testing laboratories, and we recommend that where there are health, legal, or cost concerns, you should only use a certified and competent asbestos testing laboratory to examine material samples for asbestos content.

If you nevertheless choose to take the samples yourself, take care not to release asbestos fibers into the air or onto yourself. Material that is in good condition and will not be disturbed (by remodeling, for example) should be left alone. Only material that is damaged or will be disturbed should be sampled.

Anyone who samples asbestos-containing materials should have as much information as possible on the handling of asbestos before sampling, and at a minimum, should observe the procedures

at ASBESTOS TESTING SAMPLE COLLECTION or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

...

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

Is this 1950's flooring an asbestos product?

This is in the flooring throughout our 1958 Oregon home. We plan to just lay new floor over the top. However, a previous owner laid Bamboo planks over one portion.

Our hope is they did not glue it down.

As if they did we would have to pull off the glued boards. Question #1 Based in age we think this could be asbestos flooring.

Thoughts? Questions #2 are there health risks pulling up glued boards?

Thanks,

Tiffany - On 2020-09-24 by Tiffany V.

Reply by (mod) -

Quite possibly that's an asbestos-containing floor tile; treat it as such, and if it's intact, just cover it over as you described.

For popcorn ceiling asbestos testing: how much testing to do:

So far all test are negative .

I have 8% vermiculite popcorn ceiling . I have had PLM and TEM with Grav reduction . Is there another test I should consider doing to see if the vermiculite is contaminated? - On 2020-09-16 by Adam B

Reply by (mod)

In my OPINION the tests already done are sufficient.

Can you tell if a tile is asbestos just by looking?

can you tell by the image of the tile if they are asbestos? On 2020-08-06 by Donna G T

Reply by (mod) - not reliably without more information

Not without more information

Worried about tiles removed from a public school attic

The building I worked in at a public school was remodeled several years ago. Some tiles were removed in the attic where the HVAC is housed. I am not sure the tiles were removed properly.

They tiles were 9x9 but I know that does not necessarily mean asbestos. BUT there was a warning dangerous sign posted in the room.

The floor is still black (maybe mastic). Wondering if the wood particles from the floor where the mastic remains can be tested for asbestos? I have had some respiratory problems. - On 2020-06-11 by coco -

Reply by mod

In most countries the handling of asbestos materials in schools or other public buildings is strictly regulated. Check with your school management on what was done in your case.

 

Is asbestos wire insulation common?

Ran across job that has 500 mcm copper core, lead sheathing around it then cloth sheathing is that common cable with asbestos in it. - On 2019-10-09 by Call

Reply by mod: no

Asbestos in wire insulation was used in special applications such as theatre wiring.

See ASBESTOS ELECTRICAL WIRE INSULATION

...

Continue reading  at ASBESTOS TESTING SAMPLE COLLECTION or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see ASBESTOS TESTING LAB FAQs - questions & answers posted originally on this page

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• ASBESTOS FLOOR TILE LAB PROCEDURES
• ASBESTOS TESTING LAB LIST
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in AUSTRALIA
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in CANADA
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in FINLAND
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in INDIA
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in KOREA
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in NEW ZEALAND
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in SINGAPORE
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in SWEDEN
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in the UK
  • ASBESTOS TEST LABS in the USA
  • ASBESTOS TESTING SAMPLE COLLECTION - separate article
  • ASBESTOS TEST SAMPLE COLLECTION PROCEDURE - details included here
• ASBESTOS TEST LAB REPORTS
• ASBESTOS TEST RESULTS for TILE & SHEET FLOORING
• ASBESTOS TESTING SAMPLE COLLECTION
• CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
• CONSULTANTS & EXPERTS DIRECTORIES to find an environmental inspection & test expert
• DUST SAMPLING PROCEDURE
• ENVIRONMENTAL & MOLD TESTING SERVICES
• FEES: How Much Should You Pay?

Suggested citation for this web page

ASBESTOS TESTING LAB LIST at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to ASBESTOS HAZARDS

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Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.