Get Accurate Asbestos Testing From Our Specialists
Asbestos, once a popular building material due to its insulation properties and resistance to fire, poses significant health risks that homeowners should vigilantly monitor for.
When asbestos-containing materials deteriorate or are disturbed during renovations, microscopic fibers can become airborne and, if inhaled, embed in lung tissue.
Over time, this can lead to serious illnesses, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma—a rare and aggressive cancer.
Considering these dangers, homeowners should be especially cautious in older homes where asbestos was more commonly used.
Identification and proper management of asbestos by professionals are crucial for maintaining a safe living environment.
What To Do If You Have Asbestos
Asbestos in homes, often a legacy of past construction practices, can become a silent threat to occupants' health. If you suspect or have confirmed the presence of asbestos in your home, it's critical to follow these steps to ensure safety and proper handling:
- Stay Safe: Avoid disturbing any materials that you suspect contain asbestos, as this can release dangerous fibers into the air. If asbestos is already in a deteriorating state, limit access to the area and avoid any activity that could cause further damage or exposure.
- Identify the Asbestos: Asbestos-containing materials can be found in various parts of older homes, including insulation, floor tiles, roofing, and siding. If you are planning renovations or if the materials are damaged, it's crucial to have them tested by a certified asbestos professional to confirm the presence of asbestos.
- Document the Situation: Keep a record of where you've found materials containing asbestos and their condition. This information will be valuable to the asbestos abatement professionals and may be necessary if you are required to inform local health or building authorities.
- Control the Risk: Do not attempt to remove or repair asbestos-containing materials yourself. Disturbing asbestos can create a hazardous situation. Instead, secure the area from children or pets and avoid any activity that might further disrupt the material.
- Contact Professionals: Reach out to licensed asbestos abatement professionals who are trained and equipped to handle asbestos safely. They can assess the situation, determine the best course of action, and perform any necessary removal or encapsulation. This is the safest way to deal with asbestos, as they will also dispose of it in accordance with local regulations.
Our Testing Process
When you reach out to us for asbestos testing, we will:
- Schedule an inspection to evaluate the presence and condition of asbestos in your home.
- Determine the type of asbestos present and the degree of contamination or risk.
- Consult with you to decide the safest and most effective plan for asbestos abatement.
We believe in making the whole asbestos testing thing as painless and straightforward as possible.
Our skilled team will swoop into your location, collect samples while following all safety protocols, and then ship them off to a certified lab.
The lab techs will do their magic, and we'll have your results ready in a jiffy.
Do You Need Help With Asbestos?
Whether you have a question, want a no-cost quote, or are ready to book a service, we're here to respond promptly. Simply complete the brief contact form below, or dial (407) 448-0048 to connect with an asbestos testing specialist today!
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Choosing Damage Control 911 means opting for a team with a wealth of experience in serving Orlando and its surrounding communities. Over the years, we've honed our skills in detecting asbestos with precision and care.
Our crew's professionalism is unmatched, with each member boasting certification and a passionate approach to asbestos testing, making us the experts you need.
We understand the importance of a quick turnaround in such situations, and so we make it our mission to deliver your results with utmost speed, minimizing your wait and worry.
When it comes to customer service, at Damage Control 911, you're more than just a client—you're part of our extended family. We're always ready to listen, whether you have questions or need reassurance, ensuring your experience with us is supportive and responsive.
Our high rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a testament to our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, transparency, and professionalism. This distinction fills us with pride and joy, serving as a reminder of the trust you place in us—a trust we regard as our most precious asset. In every service we provide, we tirelessly work to not just meet your expectations but to surpass them, ensuring that your experience with us is nothing short of exceptional.
Asbestos Inspections, Assessments, & Testing
Asbestos inspections are crucial in ensuring the health and safety of any indoor environment, whether it's a home, business, or public space. These assessments are key in detecting the presence of this hazardous material and in taking steps to address any issues that arise, thereby protecting the well-being of all occupants.
Why They're Important
The significance of asbestos testing is underscored by several critical considerations:
Health Implications
Asbestos fibers are carcinogenic and, when disturbed, can be inhaled, leading to serious respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Early detection through testing can prevent exposure and protect health.
Property Integrity
Asbestos can be found in various building materials. Over time, these materials can deteriorate, and if not properly managed or removed, they can compromise both the safety and structural integrity of the property.
Identifying Hidden Problems
Testing for asbestos can reveal concealed risks in older buildings, informing owners of the potential for fiber release before materials are disturbed by renovations or damage.
Value of Property
Understanding whether asbestos is present can impact the value and insurability of a property. A certified asbestos-free property can be more appealing and secure a higher market value.
Guidance for Remediation
Professional asbestos testing doesn't just identify the presence of asbestos; it provides a roadmap for safe removal or containment. Knowing the type, location, and condition of asbestos-containing materials is crucial for effective abatement strategies.
What Do They Entail?
Asbestos testing is a thorough process to determine the presence of asbestos in building materials. It begins with a certified asbestos inspector visiting the property to identify potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
These could include insulation, tiles, roofing, or old pipes—common in buildings constructed before asbestos use was regulated.
The inspector takes small samples from various materials, exercising care to minimize the release of asbestos fibers. Each sample is meticulously sealed in its own container, properly labeled with details of the sampling location and date.
These samples are then sent to a specialized laboratory equipped to perform asbestos analysis. Utilizing techniques such as Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) or Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), lab technicians scrutinize the samples to spot asbestos fibers and determine their variety and concentration.
After analyzing the samples, the laboratory provides a comprehensive report detailing the findings. This report indicates whether asbestos is present, the types of asbestos found, and the concentration levels in each sample.
For property owners, asbestos testing is crucial in managing the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. If ACMs are found to be in poor condition or are likely to be disturbed by building work, this testing process informs the necessary steps for safe management or removal.
Above all, it ensures that any actions taken comply with health and safety standards, mitigating risks to occupants and workers alike.
What Is Asbestos Testing?
Asbestos testing involves analyzing building materials to detect the presence of asbestos fibers, which pose health risks when disturbed and inhaled. Certified professionals collect samples from the property and send them to a lab for examination, ensuring accurate identification and assessment of any potential asbestos contamination.
When To Hire A Professional
Asbestos testing by a professional is essential under several circumstances to ensure the safety and compliance of your home or property.
If your property was built or underwent significant renovation before the 1980s, it's advisable to schedule an asbestos test, as it was widely used in building materials until its dangers became widely recognized and its use was regulated.
Testing becomes imperative before starting any renovation or demolition work that could disturb old construction materials, as this can release asbestos fibers into the air.
Additionally, if you notice deteriorating, damaged, or friable materials, such as insulation, floor tiles, popcorn ceilings, or pipe insulation, that might contain asbestos, a professional evaluation is necessary.
After incidents that may compromise building materials, like water damage, fires, or natural disasters, asbestos testing should be conducted even if the property is newer, as commercial-grade materials could still contain asbestos. Moreover, when buying or selling an older property, an asbestos inspection is prudent to inform negotiations and future safety considerations.
Lastly, if occupants are experiencing health issues that could be related to asbestos exposure, such as respiratory problems without a clear cause, testing can either confirm or rule out asbestos as a contributing factor.
Professional asbestos testing is not just about safety; it’s about peace of mind. Knowing whether asbestos is present and in what condition allows for informed decisions on managing or removing the material safely, adhering to legal requirements, and protecting the long-term health of all occupants.
What Does It Entail?
The asbestos testing process is a meticulous procedure that aims to detect the presence and concentration of asbestos in materials within a home or property.
Initially, a certified asbestos inspector will conduct a comprehensive survey, visually inspecting the premises and collecting samples of suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
This is often done during a broader home inspection, especially in older properties where asbestos was commonly used in construction materials.
These samples, usually taken from areas like insulation, flooring, ceilings, or walls, are carefully collected to minimize disturbance and potential fiber release. The samples are then sealed in individual containers to prevent cross-contamination and are clearly labeled with the sampling location and date.
The collected samples are sent to an accredited laboratory that specializes in asbestos analysis. Using polarized light microscopy (PLM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scientists examine the samples to identify asbestos fibers and determine their type and concentration.
PLM is a common method that distinguishes asbestos from non-asbestos fibers and can estimate the percentage of asbestos present. TEM offers a higher magnification and resolution, capable of identifying smaller fibers and providing a more detailed analysis.
Once the testing is complete, the laboratory provides a detailed report that indicates whether or not asbestos is present and, if so, in what quantities.
If asbestos is found, the report will guide the property owner on the appropriate steps for management, encapsulation, or removal, following local health and safety regulations.
This testing process is crucial for ensuring proper management of ACMs and protecting the health of building occupants by preventing inadvertent exposure to asbestos fibers.