how do u test for asbestos and lead?
Question by Em_Lou02: how do u test for asbestos and lead?
my grandpas old house was built in the mid to late 50′s n i wondered does it have asbestos in it. someone told me if the floor tiles were 9″x9″ they more than likely contain asbestos. true? i wondered what bout the walls? i wonder bout lead paint too. what if they were originally painted with lead paint but have been painted over many times(over the yrs) with normal paint is that ok? my aunt insisted my grandma wouldnt allow lead paint buts shes gone in back in the 50′s was there a choice between lead n no lead paint? how n where can this be tested for asbestos or lead n not cost n arm n a leg? thank you
Best answer:
Answer by badhabyt
Yes, 9X9 tiles (brick red and forrest green especially) are more likely to have it. Walls very rarely have it. In a 1950s house, linoleum is a likely place. For asbestos, you have to take samples to a lab. There is no other way. It costs $ 10-$ 35 per sample depending on where you are and how many you have. If intact, just leave it alone. It is damaged asbestos that is the problem.
For lead, there are kits you can get at hardware stores, but they are not totally good. Again, you need a professional to come out ($ 500-$ 1500 for a whole house). They will use a special monitor called an XRF which does not damage surfaces. For paint, new paint does keep old paint under control. The fear with lead paint is babies and toddlers eating it. Breathing it is not a big concern and unless you are renovating where it is located, not a big concern. Tell your aunt politely, that lead paint was not labeled as such in the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
For labs and professionals in your area, start with the phone book.
A different note, a bigger concern in homes is radon. You can get do it yourself kits to test for radon.
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