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At ABC Environmental Contracting Services, our inspectors are trained to examine both residential and commercial buildings for asbestos. Our Columbia asbestos testing team looks over the conditions in your building and collects samples of any materials suspected of containing asbestos. Each inspection includes a visual exam plus collection and lab analysis of samples. If asbestos is found, we provide a written report showing where it is and what condition it is in, and testing can also tell you the type of asbestos and how much of the material it makes up.
Asbestos is a heat-resistant, fibrous mineral that was widely used in building materials until the 1980s. It has since been linked to serious diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis, which is why suspect materials should be tested before they are disturbed. With test results in hand, we can advise you on next steps. If removal is needed, our asbestos removal team follows the correct protocols and monitors the air for fibers throughout the job.
Any building constructed before 1980 can contain asbestos, and that includes many homes in Columbia’s older neighborhoods like East Campus, North Central and Old Southwest, as well as older buildings downtown and around campus. Testing matters most before remodeling, demolition, or repairs after fire or water damage. Common places we test include:
If you plan to cut, sand, drill or tear out any of these materials, have them tested first.
There are several types of asbestos, each with its own characteristics.
Chrysotile (white asbestos) is the most common type and was used in roofing, ceilings, walls, floors and automotive parts. It is sometimes considered less hazardous than other types, but it is still linked to mesothelioma, and in 2024 the EPA finalized a ban on its ongoing uses.
Crocidolite (blue asbestos) is considered the most dangerous type. Its fibers are very fine and brittle, and it was used in some insulation and cement products.
Amosite (brown asbestos) was commonly used in cement sheets and pipe insulation, and is strongly linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Anthophyllite is less common but has been found in some insulation and building materials, and as a contaminant in vermiculite and talc.
Inhaled asbestos fibers can cause lasting damage to the lungs. If your Columbia home is being repaired after fire, smoke or water damage, asbestos testing helps make sure no one is exposed when materials are disturbed. Health effects linked to asbestos include:
Do not try to collect asbestos samples yourself. Improper sampling can disturb the material and spread fibers through your home. The first step is to have a professional inspect the property and identify materials that may contain asbestos. ABC Environmental Contracting Services can collect samples safely, seal them properly and send them to a lab for analysis.
Phase contrast microscopy (PCM) is widely used to measure fiber concentrations in air samples. It is fast and cost-effective, but it counts all fibers rather than identifying asbestos specifically, so it gives an overall picture of airborne fibers.
Polarized light microscopy (PLM) is the most common method for testing building materials. It identifies asbestos fibers and their type, and reports the percentage of asbestos in the sample.
Soil is usually analyzed with PLM and sometimes transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which is also the standard for water samples.
If you suspect asbestos in your Columbia home or building, call ABC Environmental Contracting Services for professional asbestos testing.
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10 N Garth Ave Ste 203, Columbia, MO 65203
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ABC Environmental Contracting Services offers a full range of asbestos testing and abatement in Columbia, whether you need testing before a remodel or complete abatement before a demolition. We understand the health risks and follow EPA standards so removal is done safely and completely. If you are concerned about possible asbestos exposure in your home, rental or commercial building, contact our team to schedule testing.
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