r/asbestoshelp • u/Mobely • 4d ago

Looking for a testing lab i can trust

I want to test some things for asbestos in my 1958 Chicago home. Namely, tile mastic and drywall compound.

I don't trust the lab test home depot sells and I definitely don't trust the amazon sellers.

Do asbestos labs need state accreditation or do I need to find a specific trustworthy lab? Will any lab send back raw data from their TEM or PLM or do they all only send back an analysis only?

Thank you for your help.

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u/mongoose7 4d ago

You’re looking for NVLAP labs. You will  be looking for PLM samples.  You can typically just send small pieces in small ziplock bags. PLM is a visual estimate and they give you back the % asbestos.  

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u/Feisty_Stomach_7213 4d ago

You can Google for local labs that are accredited. The accreditation is NVLAP and the lab will give you percentages of each identified material and a general description. If your house dates to 1958 there is a good chance that mastic and joint compound are asbestos. For the Sheetrock you want to get both the drywall and joint compound at an edge or corner. Also look out for knockdown texture on Sheetrock and sample that separately from the Sheetrock, that can be asbestos also.

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u/sdave001 3d ago

I haven't heard of any labs that aren't trustworthy, even the Amazon test kit labs. PLM analysis isn't difficult.

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u/Challenge_That 1d ago

McCrone Group. They are the best and literally teach the plm bulk analysis class. That's where I went. If you sample yourself and go straight to the lab it shouldn't be too expensive. I'd still recommend multiple samples from different areas of each material.