How Do They Take Samples When Testing For Asbestos In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively in construction, automotive and manufacturing industries due to its fire retardant and insulating properties. Unfortunately, it has been proven to be extremely hazardous to human health, and prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause serious respiratory problems that can even lead to fatal conditions like mesothelioma. As a result, it is essential to test buildings suspected of containing asbestos for its presence.

If you are a resident of Hampshire, South East England and suspect that your home, business or any other property may contain asbestos, the best course of action is to contact a professional asbestos testing and removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. Our trained and experienced team of professionals can provide a comprehensive asbestos testing service to identify any potential hazards and work towards the safe removal of asbestos from your property.

But how exactly do we take samples when testing for asbestos?

What is Asbestos Testing?

Asbestos testing is the process of identifying the presence of asbestos in any material or surface. Asbestos testing is conducted by collecting samples of suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and sending them to a laboratory where specialized analysis and testing are conducted to detect the presence of the mineral.

There are several types of asbestos testing techniques used by asbestos testing companies, depending on the suspected location of asbestos:

Air Testing

Air testing is conducted to check for asbestos fibers in the air that might have been released from a source material. It is usually done when asbestos emanating sources are disturbed and are not possible to sample directly.

Surface Testing

Surface testing is the most common method of detecting asbestos. The suspected ACM is wiped with a wet wipe or analyzed using a different detection method.

Broad Scope Testing

Broad scope testing is completed in buildings or structures that are bound to be demolished and suspected to contain asbestos-containing materials. At this point, portions of the building materials will be sampled and proactively tested for asbestos.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we use industry-standard techniques to test your potential asbestos-containing materials.

How Are Samples Collected When Testing For Asbestos?

When samples are collected for asbestos testing, our team takes every precaution to ensure that your property and our staff are protected. We will ask you about the suspected ACM's location, whether it is disturbed or otherwise, and may use instruments like an XRF or fiber optic microscope to detect asbestos fibers that are not visible to the naked eye.

Once we identify suspect ACMs, we collect a sample. This procedure may differ depending on the presumed type of ACM.

Sample Petri Dish

One of the most commonly used sampling methods is collecting a sample in a Petri dish. We use a utility knife to scrape the surface of the material into the dish carefully.

Three-Dimensional Sample

For three-dimensional samples, we use a coring drill to remove a plug or core from the ACM. Often, these types of samples are taken from interior drywall or flooring that was suspected to contain asbestos.

Standalone Sample

In some cases, the sample required may not require the removal of the entire component. Instead, we will take handheld samples by removing a small bit of material, such as a chip from a ceiling tile or a piece of pipe insulation.

How Are Sample Opened And Analyzed?

Once we take the sample, we must analyze them to determine if asbestos is present. The following is how Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire analyzes samples.

Uses Stereo Microscopes

After the sample is collected, it's analyzed using stereo microscopes to identify the asbestos fibers' presence. This technique is used to examine the physical properties of the fibers, such as size, shape and color.

Asbestos Sample Testing

We use a polarized light microscope (PLM) to conduct asbestos sample testing. With this device, we can determine the asbestos fibers' identity, quantity, and concentration within the sample.

What Happens Once Testing Is Complete

Once testing is complete, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire will present you with a report that details the ACM's location, the quantity of asbestos fibers found in the sample, and recommendations for proper abatement. If there is asbestos present, we will prepare for the necessary preparations for safe removal or containment.

Why Is Asbestos Testing so Important?

Several materials and products in older buildings may contain asbestos-containing materials. These materials can become hazardous when they get disturbed or damaged, releasing asbestos fibers that can be inhaled by the building's occupants. Therefore, it's important to have the suspected ACMs checked to determine if they contain asbestos, and if so, to have them removed or safely contained.

Asbestos exposure can lead to deadly conditions, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. It is, therefore, essential to take every necessary measure to prevent and mitigate the risks associated with asbestos. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we provide quality and affordable asbestos testing, removal, and disposal services to keep your property safe.

Contact Us

If you are in Hampshire, South East England, and are concerned about asbestos in your property or the environment, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire today by calling 01962 458066, and we will be happy to provide a reliable asbestos testing and removal service to keep you and your family or employees safe.