Services & Capabilities
Asbestos Testing, Inspection & Detection Services
Many people believe that asbestos is banned in the US, and that it's only found in "old" buildings. Unfortunately, that is not necessarily true. Asbestos containing products are still quite common in the international marketplace, and you can find products with "Fiber Containing Materials" in local hardware and building supply stores throughout the US. Since it is well documented that exposure to asbestos can cause a variety of serious health effects, public awareness is very important.
What is Asbestos, exactly?
Asbestos is a collective name for several naturally occurring minerals. These minerals are mined from the ground, not manufactured by a chemical process as is commonly believed. In the US, the EPA banned most asbestos containing products in 1989. However, that ban was overturned in 1991 by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Since Asbestos is still being used and can be found in many buildings, most states currently require an asbestos inspection prior to demolition, removal or renovations.
Do Not Disturb! Asbestos can hide in many places! Call a professional.
Where is Asbestos Commonly Found?
Historically, asbestos has been used in construction materials, insulation, fire retardants, "friction products" (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts), as well as heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings. At ARA, we are often called upon to perform asbestos detection services for the following items:
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Attic and wall insulation produced containing vermiculite
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Ceiling tiles
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Floor tiles (and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives)
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Roofing and siding shingles
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Textured paint and patching compounds used on wall and ceilings
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Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets
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Hot water and steam pipes coated with asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape
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Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets with asbestos insulation
Asbestos Experts at ARA
The Asbestos Inspectors, Monitors, Supervisors and Professional IAQ Consultants at Absolute Resource Associates have vast experience in providing safe and effective asbestos services. Because of the health risks, asbestos detection, sampling, testing and removal (abatement) should only be performed by Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEPs).
Our highly trained IEPs at ARA know the laws, and we know what the best practices are to keep our clients (and our employees!) safe from asbestos exposure. We are licensed to perform asbestos detection, sampling, asbestos consulting services, as well as asbestos project design. Our clients include schools, government agencies, municipalities, US Military, commercial & industrial clients, homeowners and more.
How is Asbestos Tested?
The IAQ Team at ARA is certified to provide the following asbestos services:
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We perform a comprehensive survey and inspection of buildings for asbestos.
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Industry protocol is utilized for asbestos detection, identification and/or sampling. This includes known and suspected asbestos contaminated materials (ACM).
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Materials collected during our asbestos sampling are sent to an NVLAP (National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program) accredited laboratory for analysis.
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We provide a detailed report of our findings.
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We perform asbestos air monitoring upon request.
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Asbestos clearance testing is recommended after abatement.
We have these licensed professionals on staff:
- Asbestos Inspector
- Asbestos Consultant
- Asbestos Monitor
- Asbestos Project Designer
The EPA enacted the Federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) in 1986, but asbestos laws vary from state to state. Visit the links below for state-by-state asbestos info and regulation:
To view a list of required Asbestos Certifications & Licenses as defined in the state of NH, click here.
If you have a project or questions related to asbestos inspection, detection, testing, on-site field analysis, asbestos clearance testing or air monitoring, please give Absolute Resource Associates a call today. 1-877-320-7373.
ARA IAQ professionals follow all safety protocols & regulations on each and every project, for your safety, and ours!
Click here to watch an excerpt from "The Evil Dust: The History of Asbestos" [Youtube VIDEO]
VIsit our Asbestos FAQs section for answers to the most common asbestos questions.
Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure
Did you Know?
-Despite everything we know about its negative health effects, asbestos is not banned in the US.
-Asbestos is still found in many building materials & household products.
-Asbestos can be found in soil, water & air.
-Renovation/Demolition activities are regulated to reduce human exposure to asbestos.
-There are serious health issues associated with asbestos exposure.
- Got Vermiculite? "Popcorn Ceiling"? Assume its Asbestos and call a professional for a proper asbestos inspection.
- If you are having asbestos abatement done and can prove that it is the Zonolite brand of insulation, you may be eligible for a partial refund.
- https://www.zonoliteatticinsulation.com/general-information
- ARA can help you with projects requiring Asbestos Detection, Inspection, Testing, Monitoring & Clearance. Your safety is our number one priority. 1-877-320-7373
- Before you begin any construction or renovation project, make sure you are familiar w/ asbestos regulations:
http://www2.epa.gov/asbestos/asbestos-laws-and-regulations
If you know or suspect you have asbestos, click here for a very informative article full of info, tips, FAQs & more.
Do Not Disturb! Asbestos can hide in many places! Call a professional.
Serving NH, MA, ME, VT, RI