MJ Consulting

Looking for Asbestos - What to expect

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs in rock and soil. Because of its fiber strength and heat resistance asbestos has been used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. Asbestos has also been used in a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products), friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts), heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings.

 

Test Types

There are a number of recognized testing methods for asbestos. Samples are typically analyzed by three main methods:

 

• Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)

• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

• Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM)

 

Not all techniques can be used for all sample types. 



It has been estimated that 3,000 different types of commercial products contain asbestos.  In homes built prior to 1978, asbestos is most commonly found as thermal insulation on boilers and pipes.  Unfortunately, it can also be found in many other household materials, which include:

 

• Blown-in attic insulation

• Vinyl floor tiles - usually 9" X 9" tiles contain asbestos, but all tile should be tested to be sure

• Glue that attaches floor tiles to concrete or wood (also called "mastic")

• Some forms of linoleum

• Window caulking or glazing

• Roofing materials

• HVAC duct insulation (usually found in corrugated or flat paper form)

• Siding material

• Plaster

• Fiber cement siding (usually 1/8” thick and 8’ X 4’, brittle)

• Corrugated heavy duty panels