Asbestos Testing
Asbestos inspections are required by law and recommended in situations where asbestos testing is not legally mandated. Asbestos tests are necessary because asbestos fibers are microscopic and may not be detectable without testing. Asbestos can be released when building materials containing asbestos are removed or disturbed. These microscopic fibers can then be inhaled and remain in the lungs where they can cause damage leading to asbestosis and cancer.
AHERA Inspections
AHERA building inspector Ian Lively provides a quick overview of our asbestos building inspection.
Home Asbestos Test Kits
& 24 hr Drop Box
We offer DIY send-in asbestos test kits that include: PPE, sample bags, instructions, and chain of custody forms. You can also drop your sample off to the lab during business hours, or use our 24/7 drop box and fill out your chain of custody online. The materials we can test for asbestos are Vermiculite, Ceiling Texture/Popcorn Ceiling, Pipe Insulation, Mastic Adhesive, Cement Siding, Flooring Tile(9x9), Vinyl Flooring, Hot Roofing Tar, and Roofing Shingles.
A mask, protective glasses and gloves should be used at all times when taking samples.
If the sample is likely to create dust, spray lightly with water before cutting or breaking a piece off.
Samples should be roughly 1-4 inches wide and as representative as possible of the material as a whole.
Place the samples in either a sealed plastic bag or within a sealed, clear and airtight container.
Our send-in DIY asbestos test kit comes with all the necessary supplies: mask, gloves, instructions, custody form, pre-paid return envelope and (4) four sampling bags. Testing fees are included for your samples. Take your sample, send it in or drop it off, and we will take care of the rest. Tested in compliance with EPA 600/R93/116
Not all landfills and transfer stations are permitted by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to accept Asbestos Waste. Oregon DEQ provides a list of landfills and transfer stations that accept asbestos waste. Oregon Administrative Rule 340-248-0280(6) requires that you notify the landfill prior to disposal. DEQ suggests you contact the landfill at least 24 hours prior to disposal.
AHERA
Asbestos Survey
In Oregon, residential buildings constructed before Jan. 1, 2004 and all commercial buildings, regardless of construction date, must have an asbestos survey conducted by an accredited inspector prior to any demolition or renovation activities. Only a certified Asbestos inspector may perform the asbestos survey and generate an asbestos survey report. We can send our Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Certified Building Inspector out to your site to conduct an official asbestos survey.
Asbestos Testing
for Demolition and Renovation
Per DEQ definitions: “Demolition is defined as wrecking or removing a load-supporting structural feature of a facility together with related handling operations or the intentional burning of a facility. Renovation is defined as altering one or more facility components that does not involve removing load supporting structural features. Renovation includes the replacing, stripping, or repairing of facility components, such as mechanical ventilation systems, pipes, ceilings, walls, flooring and insulating materials”
R&D Asbestos Tests
A certified inspection isn’t required for owner-occupants doing their own home renovation but a home asbestos test is recommended for their own safety. It is not encouraged for untrained, unlicensed persons to remove or dispose of materials suspected of containing asbestos. If you choose to do your own asbestos abatement work, you are responsible for following all handling, transportation and disposal regulations. The owner-occupant exemption does not apply if the residence is going to be demolished. You can bring Research and Development samples into our Portland, OR lab to have an asbestos test done in accordance with EPA 600/R93/116. An asbestos test may also be required to dispose of building materials at any city landfill or transfer station.