EPA Sampling Guide Lines

Asbestos consultants are trained in the proper collection of samples for asbestos analysis. Typical precautions include:

 

• Make sure no one else is in the room when sampling is done.

• Wear disposable gloves or wash hands after sampling.

• Shut down any heating or cooling systems to minimize the spread of any released fibers.

• Do not disturb the material any more than is needed to take a small sample.

• Place a plastic sheet on the floor below the area to be sampled.

• Wet the material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent before taking the sample. The water/detergent mist will reduce the release of asbestos fibers.

• Carefully cut a piece from the entire depth of the material using, for example, a small knife, corer, or other sharp object.

• Place the small piece into a clean container (for example, a 35 mm film canister, small glass or plastic vial, or high quality resealable plastic bag).

• Tightly seal the container after the sample is in it.

• Carefully dispose of the plastic sheet. Use a damp paper towel to clean up any material on the outside of the container or around the area sampled. Dispose of asbestos materials according to state and local procedures.

• Label the container with an identification number and clearly state when and where the sample was taken.

• Patch the sampled area with the smallest possible piece of duct tape to prevent fiber release.

 

Send your samples for testing to any of our two lab locations below:

 

​Orange County

11652 Knott Avenue, Unit F5, Garden Grove, CA, 92841

Phone: (714) 828-4999, Fax: (714) 828-4944

 

Los Angeles County

520 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA, 91030

Phone: 1-800-303-0047, Fax: 323-254-9982