These steps come from Asbestos in the Home, the EPA and CPSC guide (cpsc.gov). Read them all once before you start. A few practical notes of our own are marked “our note”.
First, is a sample needed? The EPA and CPSC say to sample only material that’s damaged or that you’re about to disturb (cut, sand, drill or remove). Material in good condition that you’re leaving alone is usually best left alone. They also say that taking samples yourself is not recommended, and that sampling done incorrectly can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone. If the material is crumbling, flaking or breaks into dust when touched, don’t sample it yourself: have a licensed asbestos professional take that sample.
Before you start
Make sure no one else is in the room while you take the sample.
Shut off the heating or cooling to minimize the spread of any released fibers.
Put on the disposable gloves from your kit, and lay a plastic sheet under the spot (our note: a trash bag opened flat works).
Have everything within reach: the numbered bag for this sample, a small knife (a utility knife or putty knife), water with a few drops of dish soap, and paper towels.
Taking the sample
Wet the spot. Mist or dab it with the soapy water to help reduce the release of airborne fibers while you cut. A spray bottle gives a fine mist (our note: a wet paper towel pressed on the spot works too).
Cut one small piece through the entire depth of the material, so the lab can see every layer (our note: a piece about the size of a quarter is plenty). Don’t sand, scrape or drill, and don’t disturb more than you need to.
Put the piece straight into its numbered bag and seal the bag tightly. One material per bag. If you can, also write the material and room on the bag.
Wipe the outside of the bag and the area around the spot with a damp paper towel.
Patch the spot with the smallest piece of duct tape that will cover it, to prevent fiber release.
Fold the plastic sheet in on itself with the used paper towels and gloves inside. Don’t shake it out, and never dust, sweep or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos. Seal used cleanup materials in a bag and follow applicable local disposal requirements. Then wash your hands.
Also, from us
These aren’t in the EPA and CPSC guide; they’re ordinary precautions for the cutting itself.
Stay clear of wiring and pipes. Keep well away from light fixtures, outlets, switches and anything that could hide wires or pipes behind it. If you aren’t sure what’s behind a spot, pick a different spot on the same material.
Working overhead? Use a stable step stool or ladder, and wear safety glasses so bits of ceiling can’t fall into your eyes.
Cut away from yourself, use a sharp blade (dull ones slip), and keep your other hand out of the blade’s path.
Don’t eat, drink or smoke while you sample, and keep children and pets out of the room until you’ve cleaned up.
Sending your samples
Fill in the sample form on the tracking page (testyourhouse.com/track): what material is in each numbered bag, where it came from, the date, and your name. The lab report lists each sample by what you write there.
Put the sealed bags inside the outer bag, seal it, and put it in the mailer your kit came in with the prepaid return label from your shipping email. Drop it off at USPS.
Results take up to 3 business days once the lab has your samples. We email you the lab report, and it’s on the tracking page too.
The results describe the materials you sampled, as reported by the lab, and are for your information. They don’t replace a professional asbestos survey, which many cities and states require before a renovation or demolition. Questions? support@testyourhouse.com
They aren’t printed in the kit, so print them or keep this page open while you sample.