Asbestos Testing
Maypole has a team of certified Asbestos Inspectors and Investigators with deep experience in testing for Asbestos Containing Material. Wondering if you have asbestos or know that you do and not sure what to do next? We are here to walk you through all of your options.
Why Should You Test For Asbestos?
Health issues related to asbestos are almost always due to breathing in the asbestos fibers. Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of various types of lung disease. This risk is increased by smoking tobacco products.
Generally, the chance of developing asbestos related health issues increases with the amount of exposure and may take many years to develop.
As asbestos can be harmful to anyone breathing air contaminated with the fibers, NYC regulations require an asbestos inspection prior to receiving a building permit. An ACP-5 form must be supplied when applying for a building permit. This form states that no asbestos will be disturbed during the course of the demolition, construction, or renovation.
Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure
Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma
Asbestosis
Sampling Methods Used
When sampling for asbestos, a quarter-sized amount of material is taken and placed inside of a bag which is then analyzed by a 3rd party laboratory using Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The microscopy method used is based on the type of material taken, friable vs non-friable.
Asbestos poses a health risk when air-borne; therefore, when sampling friable materials, that are easily pulverized into the breathable air, it is important that the inspector spray these materials down with water prior to sampling to limit inhalation exposure.
Samples are only taken of materials that may contain asbestos, also referred to as ACM (Asbestos Containing Material). For example, materials such as wood, metal, and glass would not contain asbestos and would therefore not need to be sampled. Maypole always does its best to sample in discrete locations in order to minimize any visible damage made to the sampled material.
Friable
Can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry.
- Insulation
- Joint Compound
- Plaster
- Etc.
Non-Friable
Cannot be crushed by hand pressure
- Caulk
- Tile
- Roof Shingles
- Etc.
What to Expect
The inspection is just the beginning of the services that Maypole provides. Once the inspection is complete and we receive the results back from the laboratory we will thoroughly review them prior to issuing the ACP-5 or inspection report.
We are always here to answer any questions along the way or to discuss the results with you. In the event that asbestos is found we can also help you navigate the best course of action and your options on how to proceed - ranging from abatement, to encapsulation, to simple scope of work changes.
As Maypole only provides inspection services we are always here to offer an unbiased dialogue and help you make the best decision.
Investigation
Includes:
- review of records and documents
- visual inspection
- sampling of suspect materials
- etc.
Analysis
Includes:
- review of lab results
- written report for Peace-of-Mind clients
- ACP-5 for building permit clients
Consultation
Includes (upon request):
- discussion of results
- explanation of report(s)
- consultation of options
Our Process
Here at Maypole we strive to make the inspection process as seamless and effortless as possible so you can carry on with your day.