Doing A Home Asbestos Test

There are a number of do-it-yourself kits to test for asbestos being sold today, but most are relatively expensive and the results are not always accurate. Instead of spending good money purchasing one of these kits, how about trying some home-based test methods that let you test for the presence of asbestos, easily.

Asbestos for older homes is very important. Before the dangers of asbestos were discovered, it was used extensively in building materials, like roofing shingles, floor tiles and some paints because the fibers were strong and fireproof. By 1978, when it was confirmed that asbestos caused diseases like lung cancer and asbestosis, its use was curtailed although not stopped entirely.

Calgary asbestos testing is crucial as it becomes dangerous when the fibers become airborne in your home. The best way is to get a qualified professional to complete the testing.

Some, who are experienced in dealing with asbestos, think that it’s best not to take samples from possible contaminated materials such as ceiling or flooring tiles, so asbestos fibers don’t become airborne. If materials re not labeled, there is really no way of knowing if they have been made with asbestos. If you are planning a major home repair or building project, the best plan may be to do nothing, as there is no danger unless the materials deteriorate.

First identify areas of the home that may be contaminated, such as rooms with lots of ductwork, heating systems and wiring circuits. The next thing to do is get samples of potentially contaminated materials and bring them to an asbestos testing lab.

Prior to getting a sample, make sure you put on gear to protect yourself, like a mask and gloves. Then, using a spray bottle filled with water and liquid detergent mist the surrounding area so that asbestos fibers are not able to become airborne. Rip off a little piece of the material you are concerned about, place it in a container and then send the sample to the lab to be tested.