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     by mail!

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STEP BY STEP GUIDE
To Sample Collection and Submittal

Sample Collection
(Source: US Environmental Protection Agency)

Note: You cannot be sure that a material contains asbestos by just looking at it with a naked eye. Therefore, treat all suspect material as if they contain asbestos.

  • Shut down any heating or cooling systems to minimize the spread of any released fibers.
  • Do not disturb the material any more than is needed to take a small sample.
  • Wet the material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent before taking the sample. The water/detergent mist will reduce the possibility of releasing asbestos fibers.
  • Carefully cut/scrape a piece from the entire depth of the material using, for example, a small knife, corer, or other sharp object.
  • Cut/scrape only a small piece of the material. All materials can be grouped into two categories: friable, i.e. the material can be crushed into powder by hand, and nonfriable. These amounts are adequate for testing:

For friable samples - 1 teaspoon
For nonfriable samples - 1 square inch piece
  • Place the small piece into a clean container (for example, a ZipLock bag). Tightly seal the container after the sample is in it.
  • Use a damp paper towel to clean up any material on the outside of the container or around the area sampled.
  • Label the container with an ID number (for example, Sample #1)
  • Submit the sample(s) for testing

Special Notes
  • For acoustic ceiling (popcorn ceiling) material, three samples from different locations is strongly recommended if it covers more than 1,000 sq. ft.
  • The mastic or glue/adhesive under floor tile is a separate sample and subject to a separate charge.
  • For vermiculite insulation, collect at least one tablespoon instead of one teaspoon of material.
  • For Dust and Soil/Dirt samples, please follow these instructions

Sample Submittal

  • Place the container with the sample(s) in a suitable mailing envelope.
  • Please fill out an electronic submittal form or a Printable Form: either the Html Submittal Form or the PDF Type-able Form to include with your sample(s).
  • Enclose your payment (money order or a personal check) of $30 for one sample and $20 each per every additional sample.
  • If you prefer to pay by credit card, please follow this link for a secure online transaction.
  • International customers should follow the credit card payment link above.
  • Samples can be mailed in using the US. postal service, FedEx, UPS, etc. or hand delivered. Our address is:

 

Western Analytical Laboratory
12734 Branford St., #19
Arleta, CA 91331

 
  • We will notify you of the results within 24 hours by phone, fax or e-mail and will also send you the hard copy of the report in one or two business days.