Asbestos Detection Techniques

26 Apr 2016

Asbestos Detection Techniques

Asbestos is a concern in many older homes and buildings. If you are concerned about whether or not your home or building contains asbestos, you need to have it inspected to be sure. There are several techniques that we use to detect asbestos in your home.

The first step to asbestos inspection is to figure out if your home is at risk. If your home was built before 1990, the chances of it containing asbestos are high.

You may then decide to conduct your own inspection. If you notice any damaged or degraded construction materials, you should definitely move on to professional detection methods. This is because asbestos is much more dangerous when it becomes damaged. If you are planning to do any remodelling to an older home, you will want to get it tested before you begin work as well.

Asbestos detection will begin with a visual inspection. If the professionals see what they suspect is asbestos, samples of the material are taken. When samples are taken any vent systems or fans should be off, and it is best to get everyone out of the house if possible. The professionals take special precautions. They put plastic down and wet the area. Then they take small samples of the material and send it to a lab.


At the lab there are two methods for determining if the material is asbestos. Both Polarized Light Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy can identify the material.

Please feel free to contact Ohss if you would like to speak with a professional if you suspect asbestos is present anywhere in your home.

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