Get matched with top percolation testing pros in Silverton, TX

While asbestos can’t be directly absorbed through the skin—the fibers are too big—skin contact can still produce symptoms. Contact dermatitis can flare up in sensitive individuals but in most cases, the danger from asbestos comes from inhaling the fibers, or dust, that is produced when asbestos is disturbed. If you touch asbestos by accident, immediately wash yourself and your clothes.

Depending on the size of your home, the inspection process could take a few hours or a few days. While inspecting your home, the asbestos specialist will take small sections of the potentially contaminated material. They will then send the sample to an accredited laboratory or the local health department for testing. 

The cost of asbestos testing depends on your location, the home's size, and the testing area's complexity. Plan to spend between $230 and $800 for testing. During testing and while handling potential asbestos, the specialist may wear protective gear, including gloves, overalls, appropriate footwear, and respiratory equipment.

If you can locate building records, you may be able simply to see what type of tiles (or bonding agent) was used. Any flooring made between 1950 and 1989 more than likely contains asbestos. Asbestos tiles can also be slightly thicker than other tiles and often measure 9” x 9”, 12” x 12”, and 18” x 18. Black mastic was a commonly used adhesive that contains asbestos.

Asbestos testing takes place in two stages—collection and lab testing. Collection can take less than 20 minutes if a professional manages to get a direct sample. If air samples are required, then the pro will set up a testing device and return to collect it. In both cases, the sample is sent to a lab and results are confirmed or denied usually within one to two days.