Every year LCS Laboratory analyses about 20,000 samples of older flooring, drywalls, joint compound, ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, attic insulation and all kinds of other materials for asbestos contamination. This page is a collection of answers to the frequently asked questions that we receive from our clients.
- What materials do I check for asbestos? You should check every material that you will cut, break or disturb during the renovation project. Asbestos is relatively safe if you do not touch it, so test only what you are planning to work with. We often find asbestos in vinyl flooring and drywall compounds. A more or less complete list of construction materials can be found on this page.
- Why is asbestos toxic? When you unknowingly disturb an Asbestos Containing Material (ACM), it releases billions of toxic fibers that damage your lungs.
- Which construction materials may contain asbestos? We prepared an illustrated list of construction materials, that may contain asbestos.
- Are there any materials that do not contain materials? We have never seen asbestos in wood, steel, glass, red brick, and porcelain.
- Until when the asbestos had been used in construction? By 1985 industry mostly stopped using asbestos in construction. Vermiculite insulation is an exception. It is found even in newer houses.
- How much of the sample does the laboratory need for analysis? We need a few grams only. For most materials, this is the size of a teaspoon. The exception is Vermiculite, which is commonly used as attic insulation, where we need a cup full of vermiculite. Please check this article for more details..
- How many samples of the same material should I test? Typically you need to test 3 samples of the same material to prove that it is clean. There are situations where you can test one sample and get an answer. Please check this article for additional explanation and reference on current asbestos law.
- What is the cost of asbestos testing in construction materials? Please check the prices for different services in this article.
- What is the cost of asbestos testing in Vermiculite? Please check our prices for vermiculite testing here
- How long does it take to get my results back? Your results will be reported within 7 business days. Expedite service is available at extra cost (see above)
- Where are you located? Our laboratory is located in London, Ontario Canada. Please check our “Contact us” page for complete address, map, and driving direction
- May I bring the samples in person? You are welcome to bring your samples in person. We prepared a page that explains step-by-step, how to bring a sample. Please also
- check our Contact Us page for the address, map, and location of the Sample DropBox.
- I want to meet lab personnel when I bring the sample. Please call 9-(519) 777-5232 from a courtesy phone in the lobby of our building, and one of us will meet you in the first-floor lobby to answer your questions. Please do not enter the lab.
- How do I pack the sample for shipping? You can place the sample into 2 Ziploc bags, or a container. Please send the sample in a box or padded envelope. Do not use a simple paper envelope as it will likely break in transit. For additional information please check here
- I am in Canada, how do I send the sample? Please check the shipping instructions here
- I am sending my samples from the USA. Please check the instructions for international shipping.
- How do I pay for testing? Once we receive the samples, we will send you an electronic invoice by email for Credit Card payment. You will need to pay it online. Alternatively, you can email the money via Interac from your banking account to info@lcslaboratory.com. You can also bring cash, or mail a money order payable to LCS Laboratory Inc.
- How do I receive the test results? You will receive the results by email.
- May I see an example of your test report? An example of the report is shown on this page with an explanation of the technicalities used in the document.
- Will the test results show the percentage (%) of asbestos in my sample? Yes we report the concentration and the type of asbestos found
- What is a “safe” asbestos limit? “Safe limit” is not a very accurate term. A better term is a “legal limit”: in Ontario, it is 0.5% (2024). This page explains the difference between safe and legal asbestos limits.
- I have many layers in my sample. What should I test? Generally speaking, you need to test them all. Additional information can be found on this page.
- Will my test results be confidential, or is your company required to report the results to any regulatory or government agencies? All results are strictly confidential between the client and LCS laboratory. We do not share the results with authorities. The exception is the court order (which has never happened)
- I need to show the lab report to my contractor (…, real estate agent, lawyer, Ministry of Environment, etc….). Will they accept it? There is no reason why they shouldn’t accept our report, but some agencies are trying to force you to use their “trusted” laboratories. To avoid a conflict please download the 2020 Asbestos report, and discuss it with your counterparts before placing the order.
If you are ready to place your order for asbestos testing, you can prepay it by following the link below. You will need to select what test you’d like to order:
We hope we answered some of your questions. If you have any other questions, please email us to discuss your project., and please make sure that you take all the precautions when you take the samples. Protect yourself from asbestos exposure.
at 2:36 pm
May I suggest that you have someone proof read and edit the material on this site? I have seen numerous spelling and grammatical errors that look unprofessional and make me question the legitimacy of this service.
at 3:10 pm
Hello Elle, Thank you for your comment. Let me assure you that we are a legit accredited business. Sorry my first language is not English. Would you be interested to edit and write for us? Sincerely yours. Stepan Reut
at 6:35 pm
The Ontario Regulation https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/050278/v10 (O. Reg. 278/05: DESIGNATED SUBSTANCE – ASBESTOS ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AND IN BUILDINGS AND REPAIR OPERATIONS)
states:
(4) This Regulation does not apply to an owner of a private residence occupied by the owner or the owner’s family or to an owner of a residential building that contains not more than four dwelling units, one of which is occupied by the registered owner or family of the registered owner. O. Reg. 278/05, s. 2 (4).
This page of your website https://lcslaboratory.com/how-many-asbestos-samples-should-we-collect/, why do you claim “If you are a homeowner and planning to hire a contractor (or even invite your neighbor to help you to take drywall down), you are legally considered to be an “employer”, and should follow the above mentioned regulation.”
Paragraph (4) of the Regulation says nothing about who’s doing the work; it simply states that the regulation does not apply to “a private residence … or … a residential building that contains not more than four dwelling units, one of which is occupied by the registered owner”.
Which paragraph of the Regulation refers to your claim?
at 7:32 pm
Hello Jackie,
This is a good question. I am not a labor lawyer and I will let them to decide.
Here, we recommend the safest approach:
1) if you are a homeowner who plans to do a renovation, test your house to protect yourself and your family from potential exposure to asbestos.
2) if you are a homeowner who will be hiring a contractors to do a work for you, you should protect your contractor from asbestos exposure, they need to be told that there is asbestos in the house.
Would be interested to hear other opinions.
Thank you for your comment
at 8:51 am
A home owner who knows they have a hazardous situation, are legally obligated to disclose to a worker. Any contractor has due diligence requirement to ensure his employees or subs are safe so if contractor has concerns, they need to test before starting work. It wouldn’t matter if it is asbestos or a lack of handrailing
at 8:52 pm
Very true. 100% agree.