Should You Book Asbestos Testing?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was mined and used in many commercial applications until the 1990s. It was commonly found in homes, buildings, and schools throughout North America.
When it comes to asbestos in the home, there is no substitute for a proper asbestos inspection done by a professional asbestos testing company. Asbestos is a hazardous material that is dangerous for human health, especially if the material is disturbed or damaged. Asbestos causes health problems when tiny airborne fibers are inhaled and lodged in the lungs. Homeowners who suspect asbestos exposure within their home should immediately contact Top Quality Inspections & Consulting for asbestos testing in Calgary or Edmonton.
The Importance of Testing For Asbestos
At Top Quality Inspections & Consulting, we are the asbestos professionals you can trust in Alberta. We help building managers, home owners, and real estate professionals identify if a home or building has asbestos present. This is important because it can become airborne if you disturb the asbestos and cause adverse health effects. The asbestos fibers can also get stuck in your lungs and stay there for years. Once we identify the presence of asbestos, our trained professionals will come out to assess and provide consulting for the remove and disposal of the asbestos promptly and safely. This helps prevent negative health effects.
Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found
In 1991, the Canadian Government banned the import, manufacture, sale, and use of asbestos in Canada. However, everyday items that are still for purchase can contain asbestos. For example, recently, makeup products manufactured by Claire’s tested positive for asbestos. Some other common asbestos-containing materials include:
- Old heaters
- Insulation that looks like cotton or rock
- Vermiculite insulation
- Pipe insulation
- Popcorn ceilings
- Drywall
- Vinyl floor tile
- Vinyl sheet flooring
- Vinyl wallpaper
- Cement board
- Brake pads
Numerous other products/materials may contain asbestos, please call for more information.
How To Test For Asbestos
There are two main ways to test for asbestos in your home, phase-contrast microscopy (PCM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Although these two methods vary in terms of results, costs, the equipment used, and the clarity of results.
PLM (Phase Contract Microscopy) Testing
PLM testing is used to locate visible or friable asbestos, commonly found in older buildings. This kind of asbestos testing is done by specially trained professionals. During this procedure, a trained professional will remove a small amount of material close to where the asbestos is suspected to be. A microscope will be used to examine the material under magnification. The sample will be examined for the presence of asbestos fibers.
This asbestos testing method is relatively inexpensive, which is good news to the homeowner. It can also be completed in a relatively short period of time.
PCM &TEM Testing
Another asbestos testing method is called Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) and Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM). PCM & TEM method is best used for finding asbestos fibers that are invisible to the naked eye.
- Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) is commonly utilized to measure the concentrations from air samples. Asbestos abatement sides have this regularly done and be utilized for personnel monitoring, environmental monitoring, and clearance testing of minor asbestos abatement products.
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), confirms small or low traces of asbestos concentrations. The concentrations come from tested building materials and other organically bound materials.
This type of testing is more accurate but is also a more timely and expensive method.
Call For Asbestos Testing Services
Top Quality Inspections & Consulting offers professional asbestos testing on all surfaces. Whether you’re removing old asbestos floor tiles and asbestos pipe insulation, or asbestos insulation in an attic, Top Quality Inspections & Consulting is here to provide you with the most accurate testing and inspection services available. Contact us today.
