Sampling of Materials

Vanguard Environmental Testing Woodinville Location Now Open.

Asbestos Sampling for Homeowners

To Sample Materials for Testing

Wet the sampling area with a mixture of Water and Dish Soap to help reduce possible Asbestos Fiber release into the air. Wear a mask at all times. For the most accurate testing results, you will want to have 2-3 samples of the Same Possible Asbestos Containing Material from different areas of the testing zone.

For Popcorn Ceilings:

After wetting the area, using a clean putty knife, scape off an area into a ziplock bag. You will want approximately two teaspoons amount of material for testing.

For Drywall, Vinyl, Insulation, Roofing, Siding, Tile Mastics, and other Materials

After wetting the area, using a sharp bladed instrument cut through all layers of the material. Try to keep the layers intact. You will want at least a 1x1 inch sampling.

Tape Testing for Asbestos Contamination

Materials needed

You will need Clear tape, wax or parchment paper and Ziplock bags or other sealable containers.

Step 1

Take a piece of clear tape roughly 1 1/2 to 2 inches long and fold the ends of the tape back onto itself so that only the middle portion of tape has adhesive uncovered.

Step 2

Place the open adhesive side of the tape down on a horizontal surface that has little to no large debris particles and apply pressure so the adhesive side is fully adhered to the surface.

Step 3

Remove the tape from the testing surface and place adhesive side down on a clean peace of wax or parchment paper. Ensure that the adhesive side is attached to the paper and that the folded ends are free from attachment.

Step 4

Place the wax or parchment paper with the tape sample into a Ziplock or other sealable container and mark with a number sample location (E.G. #1 Kitchen counter, #2 living room coffee table, Etc..)

Step 5

Download and fill out the PLM chain of custody form and place that with all the individual samples into a large Ziplock or sealable container. Deliver the samples directly or mail them to our Woodinville location.

Labeling and Sending Samples to the Lab

1. Each individual sample must be placed into its own Ziplock bag to avoid cross contamination.

2. Label each bag with its corresponding location (For Example: Hall Wall Drywall, Kitchen Vinyl, Bedroom 1 Popcorn Ceiling)

3. Complete our Sampling Chain of Custody (PLM Form)

4. Place all sample Ziplock's and Chain of Custody together in a Large Ziplock or other sealable bag.

5. Mail or Drop Off your Samples to our Woodinville, WA location at:

Vanguard Environmental Testing

15620 NE Woodinville Duvall Place

Suite 6

Woodinville, WA 98072

Please check with your shipping carrier on their regulation and requirements for shipping samples.

Asbestos Testing Chain of Custody Form

Please download and complete the PLM form.

PLM FORM