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Home > Test Kits > Pro-Lab Test Kits > Asbestos Test Kit
Asbestos Test Kit
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The United States Department of Health and Human Services has determined that
asbestos is a known carcinogen. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates
that there are asbestos containing materials in most of the nation’s 107,000
schools and over 733,000 public and commercials buildings. Asbestos is a health
hazard in many homes, offices and schools. Asbestos exposure can cause lung
cancer. An estimated 20,000 people will die each year for the next 30 years
from asbestos exposure.
If you spend time in a home, office, or school that was built or remodeled
between the years 1900 and 1978, it is highly possible that you are being exposed
to asbestos, a cancer causing building material. Cancer development from asbestos
exposure usually takes between 15 and 30 years. Because of this time lapse,
and the nature of asbestos, an estimated 20,000 people will die each year for the next 30 years
from asbestos exposure.
Our simple to use, laboratory test identifies asbestos fibers to as little
as 1% content by weight and is more sensitive than EPA guidelines.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the environment that is made
up of long, thin fibers that look similar to fiberglass. Because of its strengthening,
heat and sound proofing capability, manufacturers have used asbestos to make
many different products including, pipe insulation, ceiling and floor tile,
paints, caulking, fire resistant clothing, and brake pads.
How do you come in contact with abestos?
Although the EPA has established a very broad ban on the use of asbestos, it
is still a health hazard in many homes, offices and schools. Asbestos fibers
come from the breakdown of man-made products such as insulation, paints, caulking,
table pads, draperies, ceiling and floor tiles, roof shingles, cement, hair
dryers and many other products. As asbestos becomes friable (chipped, cracked,
crumbly, powdery, flaky or decayed), the fibers can be released into the air
and then inhaled.
What can asbestos do to you?
The United States Department of Health and Human Services has determined that
asbestos is a known carcinogen. When inhaled, even in small amounts, asbestos
fibers can cause a range of severe diseases including lung cancer, asbestosis
(an irreversible scarring of the lungs similar to emphysema), and mesothelioma
(a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings which causes tumors which grow,
spread rapidly and are 100% fatal). Exposure to asbestos may also increase the
risk of other cancers such as those of the larynx (throat) and of the gastrointestinal
tract (stomach).
Contents
- Two (2) sample collection bags
- Gloves
- Pre-paid postage envelope
- Information form
IMPORTANT NOTE: YOU MUST READ THIS BEFORE YOU CONTINUE WARNING:
Asbestos poses a health hazard only if fibers are released into the air. If
asbestos has been damaged, so that it is getting into the air you breathe, it
should be either removed or contained. NEVER ATTEMPT TO TEAR OUT ASBESTOS-CONTAINING
MATERIAL YOURSELF; the danger of exposure during removal is much greater than
the low level of exposure you face from undisturbed but damaged material. Always
be cautious around suspected asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos has been
used in the manufacture of such building products as popcorn ceiling material,
vinyl and linoleum flooring and associated mastics, pipe and water tank insulation,
acoustic ceiling tile, exterior siding and stucco, wallboard (including joint
compound and tape), wall and ceiling plaster, insulation behind wall heaters,
window caulking, etc. In short, any building material that is not glass, wood,
steel, yellow or pink fiberglass could contain asbestos and should not be disturbed
until it has been tested. The biggest danger comes from friable asbestos building
materials that have become damaged. Look for areas where asbestos has become
water-damaged, dented, corroded, blistered, or otherwise damaged in a way likely
to release fibers into the air. If you find damaged asbestos, DO NOT DISTURB
IT. PRO-LAB does not intend for the following to be used as a guide or as instructions
by anyone, whether they be trained and licensed professionals or not, for the
disturbance of asbestos-containing materials. The primary way that asbestos
causes damage is by breathing in airborne fibers that are often too small to
see. Proper respiratory protection should be used whenever it is likely that
airborne asbestos fibers are present.
COLLECTION OF SAMPLE NOTE: The use of proper respiratory protection
is advisable. When applicable, a plastic drop cloth should also be used.
- Locate the sample location and suspected material.
- Put on the enclosed plastic gloves to avoid contact between your skin and
the sample.
- Completely wet the sample location using a spray bottle with a soap and
water solution (one teaspoon of soap per quart of water). The sample location
should be kept wet throughout the sampling procedure to prevent the release
of airborne fibers.
- Collect the sample using a razor knife, chisel or another tool capable of
securing a sample of the entire matrix. (Example: the underlying scratch coat
beneath popcorn ceiling, pipe insulation and mastic on seams, vinyl flooring
including any additional layers of vinyl and/or mastic.)
- Place the sample in one of the enclosed sample bags and seal.
- Completely fill out the information form. (Analysis can not be conducted
unless you submit all the information requested.)
Standard Lab Results
The PRO-LAB Professional Asbestos Kit requires a $20 lab fee in order to analyze
the sample. Place the sample bags in the enclosed prepaid postage envelope along
with the information form, and a check, money order (made payable to PRO-LAB
) or a credit card voucher for $20 per sample submitted (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX
or Discover only). Mail immediately within 24 hours of the collection of the
sample(s). Within two weeks after PRO-LAB has received your sample(s), we will
send you an easy to read evaluation indicating the exact content of asbestos
in your sample.
Express Fax Service
Express Service is available for an additional $15 per sample, or a total of
$35 per sample. In order to use the express service, you must send the sample(s),
the information form and proper payment to PRO-LAB using an overnight shipping
company such as Federal Express, Airborne Express or UPS. Within 72 hours of
our receipt, you will receive your faxed results.
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