Asbestos

Asbestos Testing In New Jersey and New York


Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral that is composed of microscopic, heat-resistant fibers. Asbestos is commonly found in building materials and is considered to be a low health risk when it is stable. Asbestos becomes problematic when the fibers are disturbed and become airborne.

When planning for a renovation or construction project in your home or business getting an asbestos test is strongly encouraged. LEW Environmental Services offers comprehensive asbestos testing and remediation throughout New York and New Jersey

Why Test For Asbestos?

There are six types of asbestos but the most common form of asbestos is chrysotile, also known as “white asbestos”. In New Jersey and New York, as well as most of the United States, chrysotile is commonly found in building materials and accounts for approximately 90% of commercial-use asbestos in the world.

The other two types of asbestos commonly found in building materials are crocidolite, also known as ‘blue asbestos, and amosite, commonly referred to as ‘brown asbestos.
Once asbestos fibers have been disturbed, the fibers can become airborne and once inhaled can cause catastrophic health consequences. Approximately 12,000 to 15,000 US citizens die as a direct result of asbestos-related disease each year.

Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found


Asbestos can be found in both residential and commercial buildings throughout New Jersey and New York. There are approximately 3,000 types of commercial and building products that contain asbestos. In homes built before 1978, asbestos is most commonly found as thermal insulation on boilers and pipes. Other areas that commonly contain asbestos are:

  • Floor Tiles: Asbestos is commonly found in vinyl sheet flooring and tile adhesives. Once disturbed the fibers can become airborne and lead to asbestos-related illnesses.
  • Roofing: Typically, these types of fibers stay intact unless a renovation is occurring. An asbestos inspection is strongly encouraged if the roof is being renovated or demolished.
  • Spray Foam Wall Covering: Often used for decorative purposes, soundproofing, and patching of small holes and cracks. This type of asbestos can be especially problematic because it can become airborne from normal deterioration.
  • Insulation: Commonly found in walls and attics (especially in buildings built between 1930 and 1950). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says property owners who are unsure of the type of materials in their insulation should presume that asbestos exists.
  • Ceiling Tiles: Typically found in homes built from the 1920s to the 1980s, ceiling tiles containing asbestos are notoriously difficult to identify without proper testing. As the ceiling tiles deteriorate or when renovations occur, the asbestos fibers can become airborne.
  • Furnace and Stove Gaskets: Asbestos was used to make these gaskets up until the 1980s. As the gaskets wear down the asbestos fibers can be inhaled.

The only way to ensure your home or building is safe from the harmful effects of asbestos is by hiring an EPA-certified asbestos testing and evaluation firm to test.

When Should I Test For Asbestos?


The experts at LEW Environmental Services make asbestos testing easy and affordable. Our certified technicians offer full-service testing for residential and commercial properties. Ideally, testing for asbestos should occur under the following conditions:

  • When buying, selling, or renting a condo, apartment, co-op, or home
  • Before you or a contractor begin renovations/demolition on your property
  • When you have popcorn ceilings that might contain asbestos
  • If you have any suspicion of asbestos in your home and want to know for certain

While these are the most common reasons to test for asbestos, testing should be conducted whenever there is uncertainty about materials in your home.

New Jersey and New York residents, call LEW Environmental today at 800-783-0567 for all your asbestos related needs!