Asbestos Testing — When, How, and What It Costs

Do You Need to Test?

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were used in thousands of products manufactured before 1980 — insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, roofing shingles, pipe wrap, drywall joint compound, textured paint, and more. The presence of asbestos in a building does not automatically create a health hazard. Intact, undisturbed materials that are in good condition generally pose little risk. The danger arises when those materials are disturbed, damaged, or deteriorating, releasing fibers into the air where they can be inhaled.

Use this decision guide to determine whether testing is warranted for your situation:

When in doubt, test. The cost of laboratory analysis is modest compared to the health risk of inadvertently disturbing asbestos-containing materials during a renovation project.

Types of Asbestos Testing

There is no single "asbestos test." The appropriate method depends on what you are trying to detect — asbestos in a solid material or asbestos fibers in the air — and the regulatory context of the testing.

PLM vs. TEM: Which Is More Accurate?

PLM is the standard method for bulk material testing and is accepted by the EPA and most state regulators. However, PLM can miss very thin asbestos fibers below its resolution threshold. TEM provides greater sensitivity and is required for certain regulatory purposes, including post-abatement air clearance testing under AHERA. For most homeowners testing suspect materials, PLM is sufficient and cost-effective.

DIY Sample Collection — Only If Material Is Intact

Important: Do not attempt to collect samples from damaged, crumbling, or friable materials. If the material is already releasing fibers, sample collection will worsen the situation. In those cases, hire a licensed asbestos inspector to collect samples in a controlled environment.

If the suspect material is intact and undamaged, a homeowner can collect a bulk sample for PLM analysis. Follow this procedure exactly:

1. Gather your supplies. You will need: disposable gloves, an N-95 or P-100 respirator (not a dust mask), safety goggles, a spray bottle with water, a sharp utility knife or putty knife, two zip-lock bags (one inside the other), and duct tape.
2. Wet the material before cutting. Mist the area with water containing a small amount of dish soap. Wetting suppresses fiber release during sampling and is the most important safety step.
3. Cut a small sample. Remove a piece approximately 1 inch × 1 inch. You need enough material for the lab to analyze. For layered materials (e.g., floor tile over adhesive), include all layers.
4. Double-bag immediately. Place the sample in the inner bag, seal it, then place that bag inside the second zip-lock and seal it. Label the outer bag with the sample location and date.
5. Seal the disturbance. Cover the cut area with a piece of duct tape to prevent any remaining fibers from becoming airborne.
6. Dispose of protective gear. Remove gloves, goggles, and respirator without touching the outside surfaces. Place them in a garbage bag and seal it.
7. Submit to an accredited lab. Mail or drop off your double-bagged sample to an NVLAP-accredited laboratory. Most labs provide results within 24–72 hours, with rush options available.

Finding an Accredited Laboratory

Always send asbestos samples to a laboratory accredited under the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NVLAP accreditation ensures that the lab follows standardized procedures and participates in proficiency testing.

How to Locate an NVLAP Lab

The NVLAP directory is publicly searchable at nist.gov/nvlap. Filter by "Asbestos Fiber Analysis" to find labs accredited for bulk PLM or air TEM analysis. Many labs offer mail-in service nationwide with pre-paid shipping kits you can order online for $25–$75 including analysis.

State-Run Programs

Several states maintain their own asbestos laboratory accreditation programs that run parallel to NVLAP. California, New York, Texas, and Illinois, among others, require that samples collected in their jurisdictions be analyzed by state-approved labs. Check your state environmental agency website before selecting a lab. Some state programs accept NVLAP accreditation; others require separate state certification.

What to Expect in the Report

A proper PLM laboratory report will identify the specific asbestos mineral types present (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, or anthophyllite), the estimated percentage by area, and the detection limit of the analysis. Results below 1% by area are generally considered "non-detect" under EPA definitions, though some materials may require point-counting analysis for confirmation near the threshold.

What Happens After a Positive Test?

A positive asbestos test result does not always mean you need immediate action. Your next steps depend on the condition of the material and your plans for the space.

• If the material is intact and you are not disturbing it: You can often leave it in place. Document its location, condition, and test results. Monitor it annually for any signs of deterioration.
• If the material is damaged or you plan renovation: Contact a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. In most jurisdictions, only licensed contractors may disturb or remove asbestos-containing materials.
• If you have been occupationally exposed: Inform your physician of your asbestos exposure history and request appropriate medical monitoring. If you have developed an asbestos-related disease, legal compensation may be available.

Learn more about what happens when removal is required: Asbestos Removal — Abatement Process and Costs ›

Frequently Asked Questions