Behind the Scenes: The Process of Testing for Asbestos

Asbestos Health Risks to Know

Today, asbestos is recognized as a harmful carcinogen. Long-term inhalation of asbestos can lead to serious health conditions.

For example, asbestosis, named after the material itself, is a type of lung disease. This type is not cancerous like cigarette-related lung cancer. It’s a chronic condition that progresses over time.

Symptoms include:

• A continuous dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Lack of appetite (and weight loss)
• Wheezing and crackling sounds while inhaling
• Lethargy and tiredness
• Fatigue
• Tightening of the chest

Some sufferers have been known to cough up blood. The clubbing of toes and fingertips has also been observed in patients with long-term asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma is another health condition associated with asbestos exposure. This is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the heart, chest, lungs, and abdomen.

Digestive disorders have also been linked to asbestos poisoning, as well as lung cancer itself.

Symptoms of asbestos-related health problems can occur anywhere between 20 to 50 years after exposure.

You must be licensed and trained in order to remove or handle asbestos containing materials. Workers are advised to not drop building materials when removing asbestos, as this action can cause asbestos dust to permeate the air. Do not cut, grind, or tear up old building materials. Keep asbestos material wet, if possible, to avoid airborne exposure.

The handling of old building materials is also described in New York’s asbestos abatement regulation of 1989.

How Do They Test For Asbestos?

The testing process begins with an asbestos inspection. Never inspect, test, or remove asbestos yourself. Always call a licensed service like AAA Lead Pro.

You should always book an inspection before doing any demolition work or renovation project in NYC or surrounding areas.

NYC requires asbestos testing (known as an ACP-5) before disturbing any building materials

During an inspection, a property is tested for the presence of asbestos. This process includes testing all building materials throughout the entire site when necessary. Samples of matreials are taken from site and analyzed by a certified lab.

Once inspection is complete a contractor ill generate an asbestos report. If you’re a property owner, you’ll want this report when selling a building or site to a buyer. Having an asbestos report builds trust with buyers which can help you sell your property quicker at a higher price.

If asbestos is detected, you can then start the process of material removal. This removal must follow the mandated guidelines from the EPA and must be done by a licensed asbestos contractor.

When to Schedule an Asbestos Inspection

Any building or home constructed before the 1980s has a higher likelihood of containing asbestos. Technically, any structure built before 1989 should be inspected for asbestos.

You should book an inspection whenever buying, selling, building, or demolishing a structure. This applies to both residential and commercial real estate.

You should also get a soil inspection if any structures existed on the property during the 1970s or prior. This is something to consider if you have an empty lot or field and hope to open a community garden, park, or playground.

Note that an asbestos inspection is not covered during a typical home inspection during the home buying (or selling) process; you must book an inspection through a certified asbestos testing company.

Testing For Asbestos

There are a few ways to conduct asbestos testing in NYC.

AAA Lead Pro starts with a bulk material test. This process uses polarized light microscopy to inspect and test building fibers; asbestos lives right in the fibers of building material. Microscopy finds and tests any “mineral-specific” areas in the material.

Transmission electron microscopy testing may also be necessary with some materials. It’s typically necessary with particularly solid, non-friable materials.

Fibers are sent to certified asbestos testing labs to confirm the presence of the hazardous mineral.

Air sampling can also be done. Remember, that asbestos dust causes airborne illnesses in the lungs and chest. Dwellers may also suffer from chronic fatigue after years of exposure.

Certified asbestos inspectors can test the air to ensure all remnants of asbestos are gone from the site. This step is necessary for preventing any cross-contamination of materials and soil, as well.

Dust sampling testing is can be used for identifying (and removing) extant asbestos dust on structural surfaces. Industry-standard methods include professional wipes, tape lifting, and micro-vacuum methods.

Asbestos Management Plans

Once the testing phase is complete, all asbestos materials may need to be removed to adhere to asbestos regulations. In some cases, a certified company will create a management plan. This process includes documentation and response actions.

Documentation will include:

• Property addresses
• Inspection dates
• Maintenance plans (including possible re-inspections)
• Details of response actions
• Lab analysis of the test

The person responsible for ensuring actions are taken should also be listed in the report. This documentation provides peace of mind for current and future property owners.

Asbestos Removal

Asbestos removal starts with prepping the area with secured, airtight enclosures.

Air filtration systems are also installed to prevent any cross-contamination. AAA Lead Pro uses EPA-approved wet methods to decrease asbestos debris during removal. Encapsulants are used to trap any leftover asbestos fibers.

All sites are cleaned up before running any final tests for asbestos clearance. These tests confirm the site is safe from asbestos and will be included in your report.

Keep Your Site Free From Asbestos

Always remember to prioritize NYC environmental safety. Asbestos testing, management, and removal are critical to EPA compliance. Save the above guide when scheduling your asbestos testing project.

How do they test for asbestos in NYC?

It starts with certified professionals.

DIY testing a is not allowed, always go with a certified and licensed team like AAA Lead Pro. We’re top-rated by property owners in the Tri-State area. We bring over 15 years of experience to homeowners and small business owners.

Contact us to learn more about our services and project timetables.