Airborne Asbestos Testing
Detect microscopic asbestos fibers before they become a hazard.
Overview
Asbestos is a hazardous material that may still be present in older buildings in British Columbia. When disturbed, it can release microscopic fibers into the air.
We provide scientific air sampling and microscopy analysis to measure airborne asbestos fibers in your indoor air.
How asbestos becomes a problem
Bonded is fine. Broken is not.
Asbestos is dangerous when fibers go airborne — almost always because something disturbed an older material. We test the air, not the surface.
Hidden in older materials
Pipe lagging, popcorn ceilings, vinyl tile, drywall mud, insulation — all common before the 1990s.
Disturbance releases fibers
Drilling, sawing, sanding, or demolition fractures bonded materials and sends fibers airborne.
Microscopic and persistent
Fibers measure 3 µm or smaller — invisible to the naked eye, suspended for hours, easily inhaled.
Why testing matters
You can’t tell asbestos by sight. Lab analysis (PCM/TEM) confirms fiber type and concentration.
Asbestos at a glance
Old materials, modern instruments.
Pre-1990
Highest-risk era
Most asbestos-containing materials installed before this date.
20–50yrs
Disease latency
Symptoms can appear decades after a single exposure event.
0.1–3µm
Fiber width
Microscopic — invisible without specialised lab equipment.
PCM/ TEM
Lab methods
Phase-contrast & transmission-electron microscopy.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in construction materials. When damaged or disturbed, it can release invisible airborne fibers.
- Insulation
- Ceiling tiles
- Floor tiles
- Drywall compounds
- Pipe wrapping
- Roofing materials
Why asbestos is dangerous
Breathing airborne asbestos fibers can lead to serious long-term health risks including lung scarring (asbestosis), lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Because asbestos fibers are invisible and odorless, air testing is the only way to know whether fibers are in the air.
Asbestos types we test for
Serpentine (Chrysotile)
The most commonly used type, found in older insulation and drywall compounds. Fibers are curly in structure.
Amphibole (Amosite, Crocidolite, Tremolite)
More hazardous fiber types that are straight and needle-like, and may remain in the lungs longer.
When should you test?
- Your building was built before the 1990s
- Renovation or demolition work has occurred
- Materials may have been disturbed
- Dust or debris is present after construction
- You want to check the air after materials were damaged
Note:Air testing isn't an asbestos survey. Before renovation or demolition, a hazardous materials survey by a WorkSafeBC-licensed asbestos professional is needed — we don't sample building materials.
Measurement, not guesswork.
Every test uses professional-grade equipment and lab-verified analysis — no surprises, just data you can act on.
Book a TestHow airborne asbestos testing works
- Air sampling using high-volume pumps
- Collection of airborne particles on filters
- Laboratory analysis under phase-contrast or electron microscopy
- Identification of asbestos fiber types and concentration
What you receive
- Airborne asbestos fiber concentration
- Identification of fiber types (Serpentine / Amphibole)
- Comparison to reference guidelines
- Clear interpretation of results
- Professional recommendations
If asbestos is detected
- Immediate exposure control may be recommended
- Disturbed materials should be professionally assessed
- Professional abatement may be required
Note:Asbestos removal should be done by a WorkSafeBC-licensed abatement contractor. We don't do abatement work.
Why choose us
Science-backed measurement, clear reporting.
Serving Vancouver Island
From South Island to North Island — major centres served:
- Victoria
- Sidney
- Sooke
- Duncan
- Nanaimo
- Parksville
- Qualicum Beach
- Port Alberni
- Courtenay
- Comox
- Campbell River
- Tofino
Book your airborne asbestos testing today.
Fast scheduling. Professional indoor air quality testing across Vancouver Island.