Asbestos Testing - At-Home Kits vs. Testing by Professionals

By Hubert Vigilla

Published on October 19, 2009

If you are concerned about the possibility of asbestos exposure, it is important to make sure your home is tested for asbestos. There are at-home test kits and professional test services available to accomplish these tasks. Opting for one over the other has its own advantages and disadvantages, but both can help you prevent the development of serious health conditions such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

At-Home Asbestos Testing

There are a number of different at-home asbestos testing kits available, though these often consist of a bag in which to place sample materials that are then sent to a lab for analysis. Lab results will then be sent back, usually within two to three weeks. The price of these kits usually ranges from $30 to $60, though the cost may vary from kit to kit.

One of the benefits of this sort of testing is the cost, though this will vary based on the number of objects, items, or substances you wish to get tested. One of the major drawbacks is the wait times involved. Going to a professional asbestos testing center in your area will often yield much quicker results. The clarity of the analysis may also be a drawback, as some kits will provide you with lab results that may be difficult to understand or decipher. That said, in general, these at-home kits can prove quite effective.

Professional Asbestos Testing

Rather than buying an at-home kit and sending in the substances to the lab, you can also go to a professional testing center to test for asbestos. These professional centers can provide quick turnarounds and in-depth analysis. Some centers even guarantee three-hour turnarounds for analysis. Prices for these professional services will vary from lab to lab, and the price may be higher based on special services or accreditations that the center may have.

The greatest benefits of this sort of asbestos testing are the relatively quick turnaround times and professional analysis. Depending on the asbestos testing needs, though, the price can be much greater than that of at-home kits. However, cost ought not be an issue when it comes to safety.

In the end, it's probably best to consider the individual situation in which you fear potential asbestos exposure and determine if an at-home kit or a professional testing service would be best.

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