What Factors Should be Considered to Determine Cost of Asbestos Testing?

 The factors that you should consider for pricing Asbestos Testing include:

  • Survey and inspection of the area
  • Type of testing 
  • Size of the area tested and quantity of materials tested 
  • Other costs

What Is Survey And Inspection?

In most old buildings built before the 1980s, some of the materials contain asbestos. It can be found in popcorn ceilings, insulation, floor tiles, and pipes. An asbestos expert would need to conduct a survey and an inspection to determine the areas of the building or home that may contain asbestos.

The expert will also measure the work involved based on the size of the area and quantity of materials.

What Are The Different Types of Testing?

You can test for the presence of asbestos using different methods. 

The four testing methods in use now are:

  1. Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) 
  2. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
  3. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
  4. Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)

The methods use ordinary microscopes and special microscopes called electron microscopes. You count the number of asbestos fibers present in a unit area or volume. Based on the counting you can find out how much asbestos is present.

The air quality test has become better with new equipment and technology. 

Which Asbestos Testing Methods Are Best?

The earliest counting method of asbestos testing was the PCM method. The PCM method is easy to perform but it cannot differentiate between asbestos and non-asbestos fibers.

Using electron microscopes allows you to tell the difference between asbestos and non-asbestos fibers. In addition, you can see very small fibers, which is important, as they can get into your lungs easily. This can lead to the development of diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma, a form of deadly lung cancer.

TEM and SEM are the two types of tests that utilize electron microscopes. Scientists are still finding new methods of testing and making improvements to current methods. Each method has its own benefits.

Asbestos can be present in soil and materials. As long as you do not disturb the soil or the material, the asbestos is generally harmless. If you disturb them like when you dig before construction, you will release asbestos fibers into the air. You can also release fibers when you break down old buildings with asbestos-containing materials like popcorn ceiling, pipes, or floor tiles. Its frequent use is why asbestos in popcorn ceiling testing is particularly so necessary.

Therefore, you need to test for asbestos in different materials. The testing becomes difficult when these materials are solid, not like air or water. To simplify this, scientists found new methods, like the PLM method, to test for asbestos in soil and other materials.

How Much Does Asbestos Testing Cost? 

Based on the factors and type of testing you can find how much asbestos testing costs:

Cost of survey and asbestos inspection: $150 – $900

Cost of dust sample test: $150 – $200

Cos of physical sample test: $300 – $900

Cost of asbestos air test: $400 – $2000

The cost of each testing method is different. This is because of equipment and technology. In addition, these methods require trained technicians to do the lab test. 

The PCM method is the cheapest. The results can come quickly and at the site itself. The other methods are costlier and you need to send samples to the lab. The results also take time to come.

The government also uses the benefits of these methods to decide on which tests to use. 

It has made using PCM and TEM methods compulsory in some cases. You have to use these tests before moving into a school or other types of buildings.

Some of the other tests are not compulsory. You can use them for your own satisfaction or for some other purpose.

Sample Cost for Asbestos Testing

If you are planning to sell an old 1500-2000 sq. ft. house, then the buyer may ask you for an asbestos-free house.In addition to the health damage to anyone in or near airborne asbestos, not getting the home or building tested before selling could open the seller to legal liability.

For a 1500-2000 square foot house, the cost of testing would be approximately:

Survey, inspection, and collection of samples $300-$1,200

Asbestos Air Test $300-$1,500

Final inspection if asbestos found $500-$1,000

Total cost of asbestos testing $1,100-$3,700

Why Is Asbestos Testing Important?

Testing for asbestos is very important for your safety and the safety of others. It is also very important because there are laws regulating asbestos, especially in public places. If you own the place where you find asbestos, then you may face legal action from the government and other people.

Why You Should Use The Best Asbestos Testing Method?

Using the best method to test for asbestos is very important. Better methods cost a bit more because of the equipment, technology, and trained experts. Testing for asbestos will help keep yourself and others safe from exposure. If you use a cheap method, you may not be able to detect asbestos fibers in the air or in materials. This can cost you very much later if you face legal action.

When available, aim to use the best method you can afford to keep everyone safe. 

What Type Of Asbestos Testing Method Should You Use?

Since asbestos testing is a question of your safety, it is much better to conduct the best tests. This will be a one-time cost, ensuring your safety.

In addition, the government may insist on a compulsory test as per current laws. For instance, for schools, there is a law called the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). Under this Act, you must inspect schools for asbestos-containing building materials. Then, you must take necessary steps for asbestos removal so that the building is safe for children.

Asbestos can be dangerous to your health if found in the air or in damaged asbestos-containing materials. Therefore, you need to thoroughly test for asbestos. In some cases, the law requires you to conduct specified tests and keep people safe from asbestos by doing an asbestos abatement project.

The government has laws to protect the public from asbestos exposure. The EPA and other federal agencies implement these laws. You can get more information on the various laws and regulations here. 

AsbestosClaims.Law

If you believe that your home was contaminated with asbestos, you could be entitled to significant compensation—money you could use to cover the costs of asbestos removal services, pay for medical treatment, and preemptively protect your physical well-being. 

In addition to legal claims, veterans disability, social security and employment protection like workers compensation, FELA and The Jones Act for maritime workers, there are asbestos trusts that have been set up to compensate those harmed by asbestos without having to file a lawsuit.

If you have any additional questions or concerns related to asbestos, including testing for exposure or how to file a claim, please get in touch by email at [email protected], or call or text us at (833) 4-ASBESTOS (427-2378) or (206) 455-9190.

Sources:

https://www.theasbestosinstitute.com/2021/09/13/asbestos-testing-costs-2021/
https://howmuch.net/costs/asbestos-testing
https://www.asbestos123.com/news/asbestos-testing-process-costs-testing-companies/
https://www.esseltek.com/blog/how-much-does-asbestos-testing-cost/
https://www.fixr.com/costs/asbestos-testing