asbestos analysis

[jedimaster1138]

So my extended family owns (long, sordid story) a house near the shore on LI that hasn't had any work done on it since, literally, the 1930's or 40's. There's been some talk of selling, doing some upgrades, certain family members taking it over etc. Here's the sticky wicket - there's a lot of vinyl tile on both floors of the house that I'm pretty sure is original. I'm wondering what the odds are that the tile could be the kind that was made with asbestos. I have a similar wonder about the plaster (not drywall - plaster) throughout the house.

I'm not completely up on when what materials were used and for how long, where. This is Nassau county...I've searched around a little, but haven't gotten much definitive. Does anyone know of a lab etc where you can send samples of suspect building materials for analysis, preferably for a reasonable price? I could easily pry up a single tile and cut out a hunk of plaster (also have a feeling the paint is lead) and ship it someplace... of course I'd do it with a mask on, glasses, gloves, etc.

TIA

 

[Tonyscoots84]

asbestos tiles where used up until the 1980s the best way is to get an asbestos company to come out and test what you are asking.

 

[DrAsTiC]

So my extended family owns (long, sordid story) a house near the shore on LI that hasn't had any work done on it since, literally, the 1930's or 40's. There's been some talk of selling, doing some upgrades, certain family members taking it over etc. Here's the sticky wicket - there's a lot of vinyl tile on both floors of the house that I'm pretty sure is original. I'm wondering what the odds are that the tile could be the kind that was made with asbestos. I have a similar wonder about the plaster (not drywall - plaster) throughout the house.

I'm not completely up on when what materials were used and for how long, where. This is Nassau county...I've searched around a little, but haven't gotten much definitive. Does anyone know of a lab etc where you can send samples of suspect building materials for analysis, preferably for a reasonable price? I could easily pry up a single tile and cut out a hunk of plaster (also have a feeling the paint is lead) and ship it someplace... of course I'd do it with a mask on, glasses, gloves, etc.

TIA

Make sure the mask is rated for asbestos not just any dust mask. I have seen asbestos removed, all they do is wet it down from becoming air born.

 

[jedimaster1138]

asbestos tiles where used up until the 1980s the best way is to get an asbestos company to come out and test what you are asking.

Yeah that's what I'm worried about. Friends of mine just had to have the pros come in and strip the floor in their dining room (this was in Jersey)...VAT's they called them.

The problem with having someone come out is I'd have to be there or get someone else to be there which is a pita getting time off etc. I'd love a ship in lab or something.

 

[Potacka]

Esml.com I used them a few times. You just put a small piece of what you want tested In a zip lock bag and mail it to them. The fee is small and you have report quickly.

Adam

 

[nycfishy]

are the tiles 9x9? if so high chance they are asbestos

 

[Mike S]

Another recommendation for emsl. That is who our asbestos guys at work use. They probably have instructions right on their website for shipping them samples. If you are going to the trouble of taking a sample of the tile try to get some of the mastic underneath. It has also been known to contain asbestos. If you want to take some extra precautions you can wet it down before you break off the plaster or tile.

 

[jedimaster1138]

Thanks folks. I sent EMSL an email and will follow up by phone probably. I couldn't find instructions (or price...) on the exact procedure or sample sizes, but I'm sure it'll get ironed out.

I was at the house today...75% of it is covered in 9x9 vinyl looking tile, some of which is smashed and coming up. I also noticed some suspicious looking paper wrap around some radiator pipes. Pretty sure I know what that is without even asking.

At that point I went to the beach