Professional
Asbestos Test
for Indoor Air and Materials
Suspect asbestos? Have an Asbestos Test analysed in an independent laboratory and find out for sure.
Asbestos has been proven to be harmful to your health. For this reason, it is important to test the air in your home and the materials used for plastering your ceilings and walls for asbestos fibres. Take a material or dust sample using our asbestos test kit, and send your sample off to our expert laboratory, which will analyse it using the latest SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) technology. Regardless of which asbestos test you use, the lab will test it to a detection limit of between 0.1% and 1%.
Asbestos Indoor Air Test
Tests air for asbestos
Determine if there are asbestos fibres in the air of your home. Simply supply a dust sample and receive reliable results. Recommended if you have just renovated your home or undergone building work.
Asbestos Test for Standard Materials
Tests materials for asbestos
Tests materials like artex, insulating board, linoleum and cement for asbestos levels from between 0.1% and 1%. Recommended for anyone who requires evidence or before carrying out building or renovation work.
Asbestos Test for Special Materials
Tests special materials for asbestos
Analyses all special materials such as paint, sealant and mortar. In addition, we will test the material for artificial mineral fibres to a detection limit of 0.001%. Recommended if you are planning a renovation or building work.
Asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999
Simply order the test kit of your Asbestos exposure for humans is very harmful to one's health. If you inhale asbestos fibres, you increase the risk of several diseases, such as asbestosis and lung cancer. This is why the supply and use of asbestos have been banned in the UK since 1999.
However, due to its advantageous physical properties, such as resistance to heat, strength and insulating capabilities, asbestos was widely used for insulation and in materials such as Artex in buildings constructed before this ban. Asbestos is often found in fibre cement cladding, as well as roof tiles, corrugated sheets and flooring. Sprayed asbestos and asbestos cement are also commonly used around the house. But how can you identify asbestos?
Even for professionals, the harmful substance is hard to identify by sight alone. An asbestos laboratory analysis quickly and comprehensively lets you know if your renovation work could be dangerous.
Expert analysis of your sample using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Our specialist laboratory uses the latest technology to analyse your asbestos sample, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). This method enables our analysts to examine your sample for evidence of asbestos nano-particles by using electrons to magnify the image rather than light.
Asbestos Analysis - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
WHEN SHOULD YOU TEST FOR ASBESTOS?
Asbestos, if left alone, is not harmful. But it can be released when "friable" (weak and easily crumbled), during renovation, or DIY work. You can then inhale the asbestos fibres in the air, which is very dangerous to your health. Private consumers should therefore test for asbestos fibres before carrying out renovation work on the house. It is even more important for tradespeople to protect themselves with an asbestos test. There may be legal consequences if a tradesperson undertakes renovation work on asbestos-containing building materials.
Suppose you have undertaken reconstruction work or something similar without checking the material in question beforehand. In that case, we recommend you use the Asbestos Indoor Air Test, and if asbestos is present, our experts will immediately help guide you on the next steps.
Suppose you have undertaken reconstruction work or something similar without checking the material in question beforehand. In that case, we recommend you use the Asbestos Indoor Air Test, and if asbestos is present, our experts will immediately help guide you on the next steps.
WHY IS ASBESTOS SO DANGEROUS?
Asbestos is hazardous for your health as it can cause a disease known as asbestosis (a serious lung condition) and lung cancer. It is even more dangerous because asbestos is 'invisible' to the naked eye. Plus, you can't taste or smell it, and it doesn't make your throat itch or your lungs burn. So you won't know if you have been exposed to asbestos unless you test for it.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOLLOWED FOR THE IVARIO ASBESTOS TEST?
Order the asbestos test kit of your choice online, and it will be delivered to you anywhere in the UK within 24 hours. The test kit includes full instructions on how to take a sample of the material you would like to have examined - no specialist knowledge is required. Then, you send the sample back in the pre-paid return kit free of charge to our accredited testing laboratory, where your sample will be analysed using the most reliable scientific methods. Our analysts will test for asbestos to a detection limit of between 0.1% and 1%. After just a few days, you can view your test report online. If requested, it can be sent to you by post too.
IVARIO is an established company based in Hamburg, Germany, whose mission is to address questions about healthy living spaces simply and for a reasonable price.
As a subsidiary of the renowned GBA lab group, we are part of one of the largest European networks of professional lab services focusing on life sciences. We bring this expertise to our customers' homes in easy-to-use products. Our customers receive high-quality lab analyses of their water tests, asbestos samples or mould tests in the shortest possible time. Thanks to the IVARIO test kits, anyone can quickly, easily, and cost-effectively detect hazards and risks in their environment professionally - without a degree in chemistry.
IVARIO offers:
- Easy-to-use test kits.
- No experience is required.
- Free return packaging on all testing kits.
- Fast and professional analysis by specialists in an independent laboratory.
- Detailed results are displayed conveniently online.
- Expert advice, recommendations and pre-and-post-analysis support.
IVARIO Asbestos Testing Kits
Which is the perfect asbestos analysis for your concern?Asbestos Indoor Air & Dust Test
- Purpose: This test determines the presence of asbestos fibers in the air of your home, particularly useful after renovations or building work that might disturb asbestos-containing materials.
- Method: It involves collecting a dust sample using tape, which is then examined for asbestos fibers in a laboratory using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) technology.
- Ideal For: Homeowners who have recently undergone building work or renovations and need fast assurance of the safety of their indoor air quality.
Asbestos Test for Standard Materials
- Purpose: Designed to test standard materials like Artex, insulating board, linoleum, and cement, this test can detect asbestos levels between 0.1% and 1%.
- Applications: Essential for construction companies responsible for employee safety or individuals undertaking private renovation work.
- Materials Tested: The test covers a wide range of materials including Artex, asbestos textiles, cement pipes, insulating material from night storage heaters, etc., ensuring comprehensive analysis.
- Technology Used: The test utilizes Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for exceptionally accurate results.
Asbestos Test for Special Materials
- Purpose: This test is specifically designed for special materials such as paint, sealant, and mortar, and also checks for artificial mineral fibers up to a detection limit of 0.001%.
- Importance: Ideal for those planning renovations or building work, as asbestos cannot be identified by sight alone.
- Materials Covered: It is suitable for testing a variety of materials like bitumen, mastic asphalt, roofing felt, plaster, and sealant.
- Sensitive Detection: The test can detect even the smallest asbestos fibers, crucial for materials that are prone to abrasion and wear and tear, which can release asbestos fibers into the air.
- Analysis Method: The analysis is conducted in an accredited testing laboratory using SEM technology.
Asbestos: A Hidden Danger in Plain Sight
Asbestos, once hailed for its remarkable properties, now stands as a silent threat in many buildings. Before its UK ban in 1999, asbestos was a popular material in construction due to its resistance to heat, its strength, and its insulating capabilities. But the dark side of this once-celebrated material has become all too apparent. Asbestos exposure poses severe health risks, including asbestosis and lung cancer, transforming it from a building marvel into a health hazard.
Where Asbestos Lurks
Used extensively in buildings constructed before the 1999 ban, asbestos can be found in various materials. From fibre cement cladding to roof tiles and corrugated sheets, its presence is widespread. It's not just the obvious places; sprayed asbestos and asbestos cement are commonly used in less visible areas of homes and buildings. Identifying this harmful substance is not straightforward, even for professionals, as it often hides in plain sight.
Understanding Asbestos Risks
The Silent Health Menace
Asbestos is not just a remnant of the past; it's a present-day risk. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can lead to serious diseases such as lung cancer and asbestosis. These risks make understanding and identifying asbestos in our living spaces not just important, but essential for health and safety.
Regulations and Personal Safety
In light of these risks, stringent regulations have been put in place. However, compliance isn't just a matter of legality; it's about protecting the health of individuals and communities. Knowing who is at risk, recognizing symptoms, and understanding how to manage asbestos exposure are critical components of personal and public health safety.
Importance of Asbestos Testing
Why Testing Matters
Testing for asbestos isn't just a precaution; it's a necessary step in safeguarding health and ensuring legal compliance. The risks of undetected asbestos in buildings are too significant to ignore. Testing can be the difference between a safe environment and one that poses serious health risks.
Our Commitment to Your Safety
Understanding the difficulty in detecting asbestos, our laboratory offers comprehensive asbestos analysis services. Using state-of-the-art technologies like Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), we provide accurate, reliable results. Our analysis is more than just a report; it's peace of mind, ensuring that your renovation projects, workplace, or home environment are safe from the hidden dangers of asbestos.
The Asbestos Analysis Process
Step-by-Step Expertise in Action
When it comes to asbestos analysis, precision and expertise are paramount. Our laboratory utilizes several methods, each with its own advantages and considerations:
Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM)
Pros: Widely used for air samples, PCM is cost-effective and quick, providing results for asbestos fiber concentration in the air.
Cons: It cannot differentiate between asbestos and non-asbestos fibers, limiting its specificity.
Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)
Pros: PLM is excellent for identifying specific types of asbestos in bulk materials, offering a combination of accuracy and speed.
Cons: It's less effective for complex mixtures or very low asbestos concentrations.
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
Pros: TEM offers the highest resolution, capable of identifying individual asbestos fibers and their types, even in complex mixtures.
Cons: This method is more time-consuming and expensive compared to others.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Pros: SEM provides detailed images and is highly effective in detecting small asbestos fibers. It is ideal for both air and bulk samples.
Cons: Like TEM, SEM is more costly and requires more time for analysis compared to PCM and PLM.
Ensuring Comprehensive and Accurate Results
Each method plays a crucial role in our comprehensive asbestos testing approach. At IVARIO we work with the SEM method to provide the most detailed analysis results possible. Our process is not just about testing; it's about ensuring your peace of mind and safety in your living or work environment.