Asbestos Testing
Asbestos remains one of the most common hazardous materials found in Oregon buildings constructed before 2004. At Northwest Hazmat, we provide certified asbestos testing services in Eugene and throughout Lane County. Our in-house environmental lab performs both PLM and TEM analysis, delivering fast, accurate results without the delays of sending samples out of state. Whether you need testing for a renovation project, real estate transaction, or suspected asbestos exposure, our licensed inspectors and lab technicians ensure you get reliable data to make informed decisions. If asbestos is confirmed, our hazmat services team can handle safe abatement and disposal.
Asbestos Testing Process
Our asbestos testing process begins with a certified inspector visiting your property to collect bulk material samples from suspected asbestos-containing materials. Samples are carefully sealed, labeled, and transported to our Eugene lab under full chain-of-custody protocols. We perform Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) analysis as the standard method, with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) available for air samples and situations requiring higher sensitivity. Standard results are delivered within 3-5 business days, with rush turnaround available for urgent projects. You receive a detailed report identifying the type and percentage of asbestos fibers found, along with recommendations for next steps.
When to Test for Asbestos
Oregon law requires asbestos testing before renovating or demolishing buildings constructed before 2004. Beyond legal requirements, you should consider asbestos testing before any remodeling project that disturbs walls, flooring, ceiling tiles, insulation, or roofing materials. Real estate transactions often require asbestos inspections, especially for older properties. If you notice damaged or deteriorating building materials that appear fibrous, crumbly, or are releasing dust, testing is strongly recommended. Common materials that may contain asbestos include vinyl floor tiles, popcorn ceilings, pipe insulation, cement siding, and vermiculite attic insulation.
Types of Asbestos Analysis
We offer two primary methods of asbestos analysis. PLM (Polarized Light Microscopy) is the standard EPA-approved method for analyzing bulk building material samples. It identifies asbestos fiber type (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite) and concentration. TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) is used for air monitoring samples and provides higher sensitivity, capable of detecting fibers too small for PLM. TEM is typically required for clearance air monitoring after abatement projects. Our lab services team can advise which method is appropriate for your situation.
Asbestos in Eugene, Oregon
Many homes and commercial buildings in Eugene were constructed during the peak years of asbestos use (1940s–1980s). Neighborhoods with older housing stock, including the Whiteaker, South Hills, and downtown areas, frequently contain asbestos in flooring, insulation, siding, and roofing materials. Oregon DEQ regulations require proper testing and notification before any renovation or demolition work on pre-2004 structures. As a local Eugene company serving Lane County since 2000, we understand the specific building materials and construction methods common to our area, helping us identify suspect materials quickly and accurately.
Chain of Custody & Documentation
Every asbestos sample we collect and analyze follows strict chain-of-custody procedures. From the moment a sample is taken, it is sealed, labeled with a unique identifier, and documented at every transfer point until analysis is complete. This ensures your results are legally defensible and accepted by Oregon DEQ, EPA, and other regulatory agencies. Our reports include sample locations, photographs, analytical results, laboratory accreditation information, and recommendations. We maintain all records for regulatory compliance and can provide documentation for real estate transactions, permit applications, and legal proceedings.
Need Asbestos Testing?
Our certified professionals are ready to help with your asbestos testing needs in Lane County and throughout Oregon.
Asbestos Testing FAQ
Asbestos testing costs vary based on the number of samples and type of analysis required. A single bulk sample PLM analysis typically starts around $25-35. Most residential inspections involve 3-10 samples depending on the size and age of the building. Contact us at 541-988-9823 for a free quote based on your specific project.
Standard turnaround for PLM analysis is 3-5 business days from when samples arrive at our lab. Rush service is available for an additional fee, with results possible within 24 hours. Because our lab is local in Eugene, you avoid the shipping delays of out-of-state laboratories.
Yes. Oregon DEQ requires an asbestos survey before renovating or demolishing any structure built before 2004. This applies to both residential and commercial properties. Failing to test can result in fines and potential health hazards for workers and occupants.
If asbestos is confirmed, you have several options depending on the material's condition. Intact, undamaged asbestos materials can often be managed in place through encapsulation or an operations and maintenance plan. Damaged or friable materials, or those that will be disturbed during renovation, must be removed by a licensed abatement contractor. Our hazmat services team can handle the entire removal process safely and in compliance with Oregon regulations.
Yes, asbestos is very common in Eugene homes built before the mid-1980s. It was widely used in floor tiles, pipe insulation, popcorn ceilings, cement siding, roof shingles, and vermiculite attic insulation. Even homes built up to 2004 may contain some asbestos-containing materials, as certain products were not fully banned until then.
While homeowners can legally collect their own samples in Oregon, we strongly recommend hiring a certified inspector. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials without proper precautions can release dangerous fibers into the air. A certified inspector knows how to safely collect samples while minimizing fiber release and follows proper wet-sampling techniques to reduce risk.