Asbestos Testing & Inspection

The Problem: Asbestos in Older Buildings

Asbestos was widely used in home construction from the early 1940s through the 1970s as a fire-retardant material and thermal insulator. Homes and commercial buildings built before 1980 may still contain asbestos in roofing, siding, floor tiles, insulation, pipe wrap, textured paint, patching compounds, and many other materials. During a hurricane or large catastrophe loss, materials can be imported from countries not typically used when demand is greater than supply, which can cause newer homes to contain asbestos.

Asbestos fibers are dangerous when they become airborne — typically when materials are disturbed during remodeling, renovation, or demolition. Inhaled microscopic fibers can lodge in your lungs and remain for years, potentially leading to serious health conditions including mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Our Solution: NAVLAB-Verified Asbestos Inspection

A1 Air Quality Consultants collects and analyzes suspect building materials using both PCM (Phase Contrast Microscopy) and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) methods — the gold standards for asbestos identification. All lab results are NAVLAB certified.

Our Asbestos Inspection Process

Visual Inspection

We identify all suspect asbestos-containing materials based on age, type, and condition.

Sample Collection

Careful collection of suspect materials. Minimum 3 samples per material type for residential.

Lab Analysis

Samples analyzed via PCM and TEM at a certified laboratory to confirm presence and type. All lab results are NAVLAB certified.

Report & Documentation

We compile our findings into a detailed report including lab results, conditions, and quantities with recommendations for safe management.

Common Locations for Asbestos

Roofing and siding materials
Textures and joint compound on walls and ceilings
Window glazing
Hot water and steam pipe insulation
Floor tiles (vinyl, asphalt) and backing
Cement sheets, millboard, and paper products
Vermiculite insulation

Air Monitoring for Abatement Projects

We provide air monitoring services during asbestos abatement projects using PCM and TEM methods. The PCM clearance level for airborne asbestos is 0.010 fibers per cubic centimeter. Our monitoring ensures your structure meets this standard before re-occupancy.

AHERA Project Designs

For schools, public buildings, and other large projects, we provide AHERA-compliant project designs and inspection services. Our team holds project design certifications including AHERA Asbestos Supervisor and Project Design certifications.

Turnaround Time

Most results delivered within 48 to 72 hours. Rush services may be available upon request.

Learn More About Asbestos Testing

Do I Need Asbestos Testing Before Renovation? — Find out when asbestos testing is recommended or required before starting a remodeling or demolition project.
What Is Asbestos? Risks, Types, and Why Testing Matters — A comprehensive overview of asbestos, where it is found, and why professional testing is essential before disturbing building materials.

Where We Offer Asbestos Testing

We provide professional asbestos testing across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, including:

Anderson, SC Asheville, NC Athens, GA Augusta, GA Beaufort, SC Charleston, SC Charlotte, NC Columbia, SC Easley, SC Greenville, SC Hilton Head, SC Myrtle Beach, SC Raleigh, NC Rock Hill, SC Savannah, GA Spartanburg, SC Summerville, SC

and surrounding areas

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The EPA recommends testing any residential building materials from 1980 or earlier before any remodeling, renovation, or demolition work begins. All commercial buildings should be tested for asbestos regardless of age. This includes flooring, ceiling tiles, insulation, siding, and pipe wraps.

Asbestos fibers become airborne when the material containing them is damaged, cut, drilled, or otherwise disturbed. Intact materials in good condition generally do not pose an immediate health risk, but they should be regularly monitored.

For properties, the EPA mandates a minimum of 3 samples per suspect material type (SC standards may exceed the 3 sample minimum with certain suspect categories). We will advise you during the inspection.

Yes. We offer PCM and TEM air monitoring for asbestos abatement projects to verify that airborne fiber levels meet the PCM clearance standard of 0.010 fibers per cubic centimeter before the structure is reoccupied.

No. A1 Air Quality Consultants is a testing and consultation company only. We never perform removal or abatement services, which eliminates any conflict of interest in our testing results.