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How to Test for Asbestos and Frequently Asked Questions

Some people don’t want to pay for asbestos testing; in the midst of a big renovation expense, an added cost can be very unattractive.

There are very good reasons why you need to pay an expert for testing.

How is Asbestos Tested, and Can I Test It Myself At Home?

First, there is no way to perform asbestos testing at home. This is not only because it requires specialised equipment and knowledge, but because if it’s done incorrectly, you could inhale the fibres that cause asbestosis and mesothelioma.

There are two steps to testing for asbestos. Stereomicroscopy looks at a three dimensional view of the sample. Experts analyse the fibres and identify something as asbestos based on the properties of the sampled material. There are a range of different types of asbestos, and each have distinct features of their fibres.

From there, the fibres are immersed in a ‘refractive liquid’. There’s a different type of liquid for each type of fibre.

The fibres are placed on a slide and then a drop of the appropriate liquid is put on top, followed by the slide cover. Then, filters are applied to see the colours, shape, movement/ stretching, and any colour changes. Only then can the type of asbestos be identified. This process is called polarized light microscopy.

This does not assess the quantity of the asbestos present. This requires asbestos fibre counting.

The sample is then double-bagged and stored or disposed of.

There are a number of accredited asbestos testing laboratories in NZ. Contact us to find out more.

How Do I Take an Asbestos Sample for Testing?

First, you need to think about what materials do you need to check for asbestos. If your home was built after the 1990’s, you are safe, knowing asbestos wasn’t used in NZ after then. If your home was built before then, you are at risk.

As a result, you should check every material that will be disturbed during the project. This includes stippled ceilings, some types of linoleum, some wall claddings, and roofing. Also, pipe lagging is another common source of asbestos.

First, clear the area of furniture, toys, pets, and children. You’ll need to wear appropriate PPE, including a respirator (a face mask is not enough), disposable overalls, safety glasses/goggles, and disposable boot covers. Hair should be tied back and protected by the overall hood.

You want to treat every sample you take as though it has asbestos in it. You also want to avoid creating dust of any form, and so the use of power tools is not allowed. If the suspected asbestos-containing material is already deteriorating, it’s best to get a professional in to take a sample rather than attempt it yourself.

Put down a drop sheet that can be disposed of afterwards. Using your tools (pliers, chisel or knife), take a sample of 3-5cm2 square, the entire depth of the item. Use a spray bottle of water to dampen the area to avoid dust as much as possible.

Double-bag the sample. Label it very clearly with location, date, and your name.

Seal the area where the sample was taken from, using an adhesive applied with a brush. Wash down the tools with a wet wipe between each sample taken to avoid cross contamination.

Once completed, clean all the tools and equipment. Carefully remove PPE and place in the drop sheet. Place all wet wipes or cleaning rags in the drop sheet. Carefully collect all of it up, double bag it, and seal. Dispose of as per your council’s advice.

Stippled Ceilings

If testing your stippled ceiling, you don’t need the Gib underneath to be sampled. Dampen the area, and gently scrape off a tablespoon full of the textured material.

Vinyl Floor Covering/ Linoleum Tiles

Dampen the area. Using a knife or scissors, cut off a 3x5cm area, including the backing material which will possibly be stuck to the floor. The adhesives used may also contain asbestos.

Dust Sample

If a specialised ‘ghost wipe’ that dissolves in analysis isn’t available, you can use a clean, dry, unscented tissue. A wet wipe will not work. Spray the tissue with water, and wipe the dusty surfaces, collecting as much dust as possible.

Still Not Sure How to Test for Asbestos?

Contact us and we can do it for you. It can be a fiddly job, and it’s important to get it done correctly. This not only keeps you and your family safe, but also means the sample is taken correctly and you won’t get a false negative result.

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