When Should You Test for Asbestos?

Testing for asbestos can protect workers and building occupants from dangerous exposure. As there is no way to tell what contains asbestos unless it is tested and analyzed by a laboratory, it is critical to have testing performed.

Testing for asbestos should always happen before any building materials are disturbed. Test for asbestos prior to any renovations, even those as small as drilling through a wall or floor, replacing windows, replacing tiles in a bathroom, internet or security wiring projects, or adding an outlet or new electrical or plumbing fixture.

Test for Asbestos when:

• You notice building materials that are deteriorating

• You are planning any construction activities that could disturb building materials

• You suspect asbestos

Asbestos regulation in the U.S. is a patchwork of laws from different federal, state, and even local agencies leading to a tremendous amount of incorrect information on when you are required to test for asbestos. While a state or local government may say testing is only required if the building was built prior to 1990 (or some other year), National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) always requires testing for non-residential buildings and OSHA requires testing no matter what year the building was built, whether residential or commercial.

As the strictest regulation is the one you have to follow, you might get in serious legal trouble by following the guidance on your local Department of Environmental Quality website. If anyone is paying for work to be done, or if the building has workers in it OSHA regulations state at a minimum that, before building materials are disturbed, you must test for asbestos no matter what age your building is.

Wondering whether your home or property might have asbestos-containing materials? The only safe way to find out is to have a licensed professional like Cromwell test for asbestos. Get in touch with us today to schedule a visit from our of our trained asbestos professionals.