Asbestos Testing in Colorado

The Asbestos Testing Process



What is asbestos?

The asbestos materials are microscopic silicates may be inhaled without you even knowing it. Prolonged exposure to these elements has been found to cause serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer so testing is essential to ensure your health.

How is asbestos tested for?

You can’t always see asbestos with your naked eye. Samples of materials can be taken to inspect for asbestos using special microscopes. Special handling is required as the wrong handling could be harmful. The EPA guidelines require that samples be analyzed with polarized light microscopy.

Our certified professionals will conduct a thorough inspection of your home or business.



Who needs asbestos testing and why?

Asbestos testing needs to be completed on any building, manufacturing and industrial facility owner planning to renovate or demolish any structure, insulated piping, or heavy machinery has the potential of encountering (ACM’S) asbestos-containing materials.

If construction workers encounter any building material that is suspected of being ACM and was not previously identified and confirmed, then the work on any renovation/demolition of a building project can come to a halt. According to regulations, certain types of ACMs must be removed by a certified Asbestos Abatement Contractor before continuing any type of renovation/demolition activities. Criminal and civil penalties for disturbing asbestos-containing materials without permits and not following established removal procedures are in place and enforced.

The first crucial step, is a thorough and properly performed asbestos testing survey for successful completion of the project.

Asbestos was once widely used in numerous building construction materials and vehicle products because it added strength, stability, resisted corrosion, improved heat and chemical resistance, as well as provided acoustical insulation.

It was common to add asbestos to a wide variety of products made between the 1950s to late 1970s, such as, floor tiles, thermal plaster, pipe insulation, drywall joint compounds, fireproofing, spray on coatings, acoustic insulation, roofing shingles and flashings, duct tape, panels and pipes made up of cement/concrete, adhesives, putties and caulking, gaskets, brake parts, wicks, gloves and other heat resistant clothing, etc.

Being a known human carcinogen, asbestos is a significant health hazard when its fibers are inhaled or ingested. Single asbestos fibers cannot be seen by the naked eye, which puts workers and the exposed population at an increased risk.

Federal agencies do their part to keep people and the environment safe. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates exposure to workers, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates asbestos exposure to the public and the environment. Over the years, numerous rules and regulations, guidance and procedures for assessment, proper removal, and controlling exposure have been promulgated and published. Those who choose not to follow the established rules and regulations and procedures for asbestos testing, removing, storing, transporting, or disposing of can bring both civil and criminal liabilities.



Health Risks

Although exposure to asbestos fibers can cause a wide range of short term and long-term health problems, the primary health risks fall into three categories:

Asbestosis causes permanent scarring of lung tissue

Pleural disease causes damage to the lining of the lungs

Lung cancer and mesothelioma cause tumors and cancerous cells that attack the lungs

There is no “safe” level of exposure and adverse health effects from asbestos can manifest 20 to 40 years after the first exposure.