"What do I need to have Tested?"
Our training and expertise is purely analytical, and as such we cannot advise on what materials may or may not required to be tested. There are, however, published guidelines available at the Oregon Metro's Hazardous Waste Center website. They also have published guidelines on all materials that must have proof of testing before being dropped at their facilities.
The Oregon DEQ (for projects in Washington, consult the Department of Ecology) is also an excellent resource for asbestos related questions including sampling, materials of interest, and phone numbers to call by county for your direct questions.
The Oregon DEQ (for projects in Washington, consult the Department of Ecology) is also an excellent resource for asbestos related questions including sampling, materials of interest, and phone numbers to call by county for your direct questions.
Bulk Building Material Sampling Instructions
Oregon Metro has recently published guidelines for all transfer station customers. At that link, one can find both a list of materials that Metro requires to have tested as well as appropriate paperwork for bringing in your materials to the dump facility. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential asbestos containing materials. For a more complete overview, consult the Oregon DEQ's website (linked below) or a licensed abatement contractor.
The following sampling information is taken from the Oregon DEQ's website on asbestos. Please see their website in its entirety for other information on various other topics, such as where in your home you may find asbestos containing material.
All samples must be accompanied by a complete Sample Submission Form before analysis can proceed. This documentation is available on our website (use the Bulk Materials Chain), or at our lab. Please provide all documentation (Sample Submission Forms, Field forms, etc) outside of sample containers. Contaminated paperwork cannot be used in sample submission and a substitute will need to be filled out before we can accept your samples.
To ensure the health and safety of our laboratory staff as well as maintaining our ability to keep a sterile laboratory environment, please see that all samples are brought in the appropriate airtight container. All materials are presumed positive until proven otherwise, regardless of material type or your own experience with the material. We take this matter very seriously and your samples may be rejected or you may be assessed with an additional fee if they are not properly submitted to the lab.
The following containers DO NOT count as airtight:
Stapled and unsealed containers are the most common mistakes when submitting samples. These provide a real and constant hazard to the health and safety of our laboratory staff. If you are at all unsure of the guidelines, or if you have an improper container, please leave it outside our lab and our staff will be happy to provide necessary materials for safe sample submission and help you to avoid unnecessary fines.
The following sampling information is taken from the Oregon DEQ's website on asbestos. Please see their website in its entirety for other information on various other topics, such as where in your home you may find asbestos containing material.
- Mist the material lightly before taking the sample. This reduces the potential release of asbestos fibers.
- Do not disturb the material any more than is necessary to take a small sample.
- Place the sample in a clean, air-tight container such as a ziploc bag or small glass jar. Seal tightly. EACH SAMPLE SUBMITTED NEEDS ITS OWN ZIPLOC BAG.
- Use a damp paper towel to clean up any material on the outside of the container or that might have spilled onto the floor.
- Clearly label the container, stating where and when the sample was taken.
- Send the sample to a laboratory for analyses. Make sure to take one sample for each different type of suspect material.
All samples must be accompanied by a complete Sample Submission Form before analysis can proceed. This documentation is available on our website (use the Bulk Materials Chain), or at our lab. Please provide all documentation (Sample Submission Forms, Field forms, etc) outside of sample containers. Contaminated paperwork cannot be used in sample submission and a substitute will need to be filled out before we can accept your samples.
To ensure the health and safety of our laboratory staff as well as maintaining our ability to keep a sterile laboratory environment, please see that all samples are brought in the appropriate airtight container. All materials are presumed positive until proven otherwise, regardless of material type or your own experience with the material. We take this matter very seriously and your samples may be rejected or you may be assessed with an additional fee if they are not properly submitted to the lab.
The following containers DO NOT count as airtight:
- Tied/rolled over trash bags
- Paper bags
- Plastic Wrap/foil
- Tape
- Envelopes
- Folded/rolled up gloves
- Pants/Jacket pockets
- Any bags that are stapled, regardless of where the staple actually pierces the bag.
Stapled and unsealed containers are the most common mistakes when submitting samples. These provide a real and constant hazard to the health and safety of our laboratory staff. If you are at all unsure of the guidelines, or if you have an improper container, please leave it outside our lab and our staff will be happy to provide necessary materials for safe sample submission and help you to avoid unnecessary fines.
Sample Guidelines
Generally speaking, we ask for samples approximately 1"x1" square at least or credit card sized at most. Roughly 1-2 tablespoons of material is suggested when dealing with crumbly/powdered materials such as ceiling textures). For materials such as loose fill insulation, 1/4 to 1/2cup is sufficient. We can perform analysis with less down to a point, but providing more material helps ensure optimal analysis conditions. Insufficient sample sizes may be denoted with a disclaimer on the final report.
Submitting too much material will result in an initial series of warnings, followed by a disposal charge levied on a per-sample basis.
When bringing in samples to Lab/Cor Portland, please have each sample in its own sealed container. All individual sample containers should be placed in one larger bag if possible. If multiple samples are brought in within the same container, a cross contamination disclaimer may be listed on the final report.
Bulk samples with multiple layers of material (e.g. a vinyl tile with a fibrous backing and a black mastic underneath) should be submitted as the material is found in the home. Our analysts will sample, analyze, and report each type of material within a sample separately.
Submitting too much material will result in an initial series of warnings, followed by a disposal charge levied on a per-sample basis.
When bringing in samples to Lab/Cor Portland, please have each sample in its own sealed container. All individual sample containers should be placed in one larger bag if possible. If multiple samples are brought in within the same container, a cross contamination disclaimer may be listed on the final report.
Bulk samples with multiple layers of material (e.g. a vinyl tile with a fibrous backing and a black mastic underneath) should be submitted as the material is found in the home. Our analysts will sample, analyze, and report each type of material within a sample separately.