Asbestos fibers are extremely small and cannot be seen with the naked eye. They can be released into the air when asbestos materials are disturbed or damaged, and can remain in the air for hours, putting anyone in the vicinity at risk.

Asbestos testing is critical because it helps identify whether a building contains asbestos, and whether the asbestos materials are friable or non-friable. Friable materials are those that can easily break up, crumble, or be pulverized by hand pressure when dry, while non-friable materials, such as floor tiles and cement, are more stable and less likely to release fibers into the air.

Without proper testing and identification of asbestos, there is a higher risk of exposure to asbestos fibers, which can lead to severe health issues.