How to Identify Asbestos Containing Material

Not easily recognized by the average person, asbestos is a group of six silicate minerals made up of thin fibers that are heat resistant, flexible and chemically inert. Asbestos naturally occurs in certain rocks and strata. Due to its unique properties, it was increasingly used by manufacturers and builders in the production of insulating materials, asbestos-cement materials and the automobile industry. Before 1970, most insulating building products contained asbestos. A ruling to ban the use of asbestos occurred in 1989 due to the toxicity of its fibers when inhaled. People not professionally trained in taking samples should avoid coming in contact with asbestos.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact a building's owner or manager to find out the date a building was constructed before moving in. Obtain detailed information about the insulating materials used in the building. This applies to a building's insulators, cement roofing and shingles, soundproofed walls and floor tiles. When working with vehicles, pay attention to the materials used during manufacturing including insulating materials, brake pads, gaskets and clutch facings before purchasing them. If the manufacturing dates back to the early '20s the material is presumed to contain asbestos.

• 2

  Conduct surveys of commercial buildings to determine the presence of asbestos in the materials used in the building. Contact an asbestos surveyor if you are not qualified to carry out the survey personally. Washington's Department of Ecology warns that disturbed asbestos is extremely hazardous to buildings and occupants while non-friable asbestos left in place is not hazardous to building occupants. Safe removal requires trained personnel, wetting agents, regulators and a negative air pressure environment.

• 3

  Wet the material suspected to contain asbestos using a water mister. Ensure the water penetrates though the material and carefully place it in a clean container with a tight seal. Wetting the material prevents the emission of dust particles that may contain asbestos fibers. Bag and label the sample and send it so a testing laboratory. Deciding to do the sampling by yourself may be hazardous as asbestos is best left to those who understand its properties and know how to handle it. Analysis of bulk samples should be done in an accredited laboratory.

• 4

  Contact an abatement officer who will carry out the test through a process called polarized light microscopy. If you are unable to extract the samples yourself, the technician will do the sampling and testing. Wear disposable protective gloves and mask. Test the sample at home if you have a testing kit, if not; send it to a laboratory.