Asbestos Testing Kit

Asbestos is basically a naturally-occurring mineral that is characterized by long thin fibers. Since it possesses high tensile strength and is also a heat retardant, it was used for a variety of purposes in the construction industry. Although, even until the 1980s, people were not aware of the health risks caused due to asbestos exposure. But once the asbestos dangers were revealed by certain studies, EPA put a ban on its use. Various steps were taken in order to prevent people from getting exposed to asbestos fibers. Certain rules and regulations were formulated. Certain methods were also devised for testing for the presence of asbestos fibers. Though people in the construction business now comply to the rules and regulations issued in this regard, the older buildings might still contain asbestos fibers. If you are living in a building that was constructed prior to the issuance of these regulations, a wise thing to do would be to have asbestos testing performed. While you can always have this done by a professional, you also have the option of using an asbestos testing kit to test for the presence of the asbestos fibers.

The Need for Asbestos Testing

If the building you are staying in has been constructed before 1980s, you must have it checked for asbestos. There is a great chance that asbestos might have been used in insulating materials or other building products. This could increase the risk of you developing various health problems. Inhaling this mineral fiber over a period of time could cause the lung tissue to get scarred. In medical terminology, this condition is referred to as asbestosis. A variety of distressing symptoms are associated with this medical condition. Breathing problems, chest pain, coughing and tightness of chest are some of the common symptoms of asbestosis. Besides asbestosis, long term asbestos exposure could give rise to other serious lung-related health problems. Prolonged exposure to asbestos makes one susceptible to pleural effusion, pulmonary hypertension and emphysema. It also increases the risk of malignant mesothelioma, which is the cancer of the lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity. Now that you are aware of the asbestos health effects, you can understand the importance of asbestos testing. If you think that there might have traces of asbestos in your home, you must get hold of a testing kit.

How to Choose an Asbestos Testing Kit

In case of buildings constructed earlier than 1970s, the insulation materials, ceiling tiles, roofing shingles and other building materials might be contaminated with asbestos. If any one of these materials are disturbed during renovation, this harmful fiber may be released into the surroundings. Under such circumstances, you must check whether the house is contaminated with asbestos or not. Though you can call a professional asbestos inspector for the purpose of asbestos testing, if you are not too keen on calling them, there is the option of using an asbestos test kit. These kits are usually available in local hardware stores. While buying the kit, make sure that the expiration date is mentioned on the kit. The cost of these kits generally ranges from $40 to $100. While buying the kit, you must find out if the asbestos testing cost also includes the charges for laboratory testing. The packing must be as per ISO 9001 standards. It would be better to buy a kit that has an educational DVD as well. It would be worthwhile to find out more about the procedures that are used for testing the samples. Polarized light microscopy (PLM), phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are the procedures that should be used by the laboratory. You must also ensure that the laboratory that would be conducting these tests is accredited or approved by the government.

This was all about asbestos testing through home testing kits. If you are planning to use a testing kit, make sure that you follow all the instructions properly. Inhalation of the mineral fibers can cause various problems, so, make sure that you wear a protective mask and gloves while collecting the sample. If you are willing to shell out more money, you can always call the professionals for collecting samples. If the laboratory results indicate traces of asbestos, then the wise thing to do would be to call professionals for asbestos removal from your home. Stay safe!