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Asbestos Testing

Asbestos testing determines if asbestos is present.

Asbestos can be present in building materials, airborne or settled dust.  Common asbestos containing materials includes “Popcorn” ceilings, joint compounds, sheet vinyl, vinyl floor tiles, roofing materials, and cementitious siding and underground utility pipes. What is this material?

Asbestos Defined

The term asbestos describes six naturally occurring fibrous minerals found in certain types of rock formations. Of that general group, the asbestos-containing minerals chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite have been most commonly used in building products. Asbestos is an effective insulator, and it can be used in cloth, paper, cement, plastic, and other materials to make them stronger. The abundant, easily-processed material is resistant to heat, electricity, and chemical corrosion. It became a popular addition to building materials during the Industrial Revolution. Why is this material dangerous?

Dangers of Asbestos

When mined and processed, asbestos is typically separated into very thin fibers, which are mixed in during the manufacture of many different products. When these fibers are present in the air, they are normally invisible to the naked eye. If the fibers are released from the asbestos-containing materials, (ACM), they are so small and light that they may remain in the air for many hours. When fibers are released into the air, they may be inhaled by the occupants of the building.

If inhaled, the fibers can cause diseases which disrupt the normal functioning of the lungs. Three specific diseases — asbestosis (a fibrous scarring of the lungs), lung cancer, and mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity) — have been linked to asbestos exposure. These diseases do not develop immediately after inhalation of asbestos fibers; it may be twenty years or more before symptoms appear. (EPA 2OT-2003).

Asbestos testing protects you and your customers in several ways.

Asbestos testing protects your health, your peace of mind, and, in some cases, your financial future, should your company’s buildings be found to contain asbestos, exposing your occupants, workers and customers to its dangerous effects. According to a 2016 Mealey’s Litigation Report, the average mesothelioma trial payout is about $2.4 million. The average settlement ranges from $1 million to $1.4 million.

Asbestos testing is required by Law.

Asbestos testing is required prior to a renovation or demolition of a structure. At the federal level, both EPA and OSHA require testing building materials prior to the material being disturbed. In the State of Florida, the requirements are further enforced by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Additionally, there are eight counties with established programs that require testing: Sarasota , Pinellas, Broward, Duval/City of Jacksonville, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Orange, and Palm Beach.

Asbestos testing by AMRC

Be safe and sure with testing by our experienced, qualified
technicians. If your structure or site is found to contain
asbestos, we can provide you with a plan for remediation
and conduct the clean-up for you.

Customized Turnkey Environmental Services Are Just A Call Away. We’re Ready For You!

239.936.8266Fort Myers

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941.929.8800Sarasota

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