How we acquire samples: Building supporters takes a small piece of drywall from under a wall electrical plate or under an AC supply register in the ceiling for sample analysis. There is absolutely no damage to the walls or ceiling with this approach. We can also take insulation samples from the attic as to not disturb the walls. For asbestos and formaldehyde, we will test for their presence in the air when material samples cannot be easily taken from the property.

Laboratory Testing: generally $299 per (5 +/- day turn around time)

• Asbestos including vermiculite
• Urea formaldehyde foam insulation
• Corrosive Chinese drywall (elemental sulfur)
• Smoke and fire damage (including wildfire)
• Lead (Also available for in-field service at $99 for 3 random room wall plus 2 random plumbing pipes samples)
• Custom (Please contact us for unknown material and additional specialty environmental testing services.)

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Mold testing:
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IAQ testing:
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Water testing:
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Transite Pipes: Up to 60%. These heavy-duty cement pipes were widely used for their durability and resistance to corrosion. Used extensively in sewer systems and as conduits for water, they can contain a significant amount of asbestos for strength. It’s crucial to handle these with care during renovations or replacements.

Cement Sheets: Asbestos-cement boards and corrugated boards offered a lightweight yet durable option for roofing and siding. Flat panels served as an effective barrier against water and weather elements, making them a popular choice for exterior walls. It’s the asbestos fibers within these materials that provided their durability and resistance to fire.

Vermiculite and Glass Wool Attic Insulation: Up to 6%. Vermiculite insulation, which may contain asbestos, was a popular choice due toits lightweight and fire-resistant characteristics. Although not all vermiculite contains asbestos, it was often sourced from mines contaminated with asbestos, making it a risk. Glass wool used for insulation may also pose a risk if it contains vermiculite or if it’s older and has asbestos as a binder or contaminant.

Pipe or Boiler Insulation: Insulation wrapped around pipes and boilers for heat protection, often made from asbestos-containing materials due to their excellent insulating properties and fire resistance. Mastic, a type of glue used to seal these insulations, may also contain asbestos.

Vinyl Floor Tiles, Underlay, and Adhesive: Up to 5%. The durability and fire-resistant properties of asbestos made it an attractive additive in vinyl tiles and their adhesives. Although newer materials are safe, buildings with original or older tiles should be assessed.

Textured Ceiling Paint (Popcorn Ceiling): Up to 4%. Popularity for its ability to hide imperfections and provide some soundproofing, popcorn ceilings often contained asbestos for its fibrous structure and fire resistance.

Ceiling Tiles: Up to 10%. Used extensively in both commercial and residential structures, these tiles offered a convenient solution for ceilings with added insulation and fire protection benefits. Their asbestos content, meant to enhance these properties, now poses a risk during demolition or renovation.

Putties and Caulks: Up to 3%. Used for sealing gaps in construction, these materials often contained small amounts of asbestos to improve durability and fire resistance. Special care must be taken when removing old putty or caulk during renovations.

Roofing Shingles: Up to 5%. Asbestos was added to shingles to reinforce durability against the elements, including fire. These are typically found in buildings constructed before the broad regulatory actions against asbestos.

Joint Compound: Up to 3%. Used in drywall installation for smooth finishes, joint compounds formulated before the asbestos restrictions might contain asbestos. Sanding or disturbing these compounds can release asbestos fibers into the air.

Roofing Tar: Used in flat roof buildings could contain asbestos, offering durability and resistance to leaks. It’s crucial for contractors and DIY renovators to be aware of these potential asbestos sources. Handling, removal, or disturbance of these materials should only be performed by professionals trained in asbestos abatement, ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that the problem with drywall off-gassing is not exclusive to products labeled as coming from China. American-labeled drywall is also off-gassing. This isn’t about pointing fingers at particular countries; it’s about facing a widespread industry challenge.

Some properties may only have a few sheets of tainted drywall yet cause mechanical and electrical issues for the entire building.

Off-gassing has occurred in both 1/2″ and 5/8″ drywall types in both commercial and residential construction.

Corrosive gassing drywall has been found in houses as early as 2001 in Florida. This drywall was coming into the country due to shortages even before Katrina and the South Florida hurricanes between 2004 to 2006.