ASBESTOS SURVEYS are necessary because it is estimated that half of all US homes were built when asbestos was still in use. It has been phased out in modern buildings but is not banned in the US. It's important to have older buildings inspected for asbestos occasionally because they pose a higher risk for exposure. Asbestos materials should be tested as they can crumble as they age, freeing these fibers.

The materials we can test for asbestos are:
• Drywall / Sheetrock
• Vermiculite
• Ceiling Texture/Popcorn Ceiling
• Pipe Insulation
• Mastic Adhesive
• Cement Siding
• Flooring Tile (9x9)
• Vinyl Flooring
• Hot Roofing Tar
• Roofing Shingles
• Ceiling Tiles

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.

Not all dumps and landfills will accept materials suspected of containing asbestos. Prior to transport, asbestos waste containers must have a label attached with the name of the generator (person doing the removal) and the address from where the waste was removed. Asbestos-containing waste must be packaged in a minimum of two 6-mil thick plastic bags or similar leak-tight packaging with an asbestos hazard warning label with a DOT 9 diamond and generator information, and must be transported with a completed Asbestos Waste Shipment Report Form (ASN 4) and disposed of at a landfill permitted by DEQ to accept asbestos waste. A completed Asbestos Waste Shipment Report Form (ASN-4) must be provided to the permitted disposal facility at the time of disposal.

Contact the landfill prior to delivering your packaged asbestos waste material. Landfills may have additional requirements and may only accept asbestos by appointment.