How to take an asbestos sample
Clear instructions for taking an asbestos sample. Read where to take the sample, how to pack it and how to send it to the laboratory.
Read more →36 articles
Knowledge base – everything about asbestos
All our asbestos knowledge in one place: analysis, sampling, safety, materials, regulations and renovation.
Sampling and posting
Can you take an asbestos sample yourself?
Can you take an asbestos sample yourself and send it to a laboratory? Read when it works well and what to watch out for.
Read more →How many asbestos samples do you need?
An asbestos sample is taken from each different material, layer build-up and renovation phase, not per room. How to work it out, with examples from typical renovations.
Read more →How to protect yourself when taking an asbestos sample yourself
Protection against asbestos when sampling: FFP3 respirator, coveralls, gloves, moistening and proper cleaning. Also read when you should not take the sample yourself.
Read more →How to pack an asbestos sample
How to pack an asbestos sample correctly before sending it to the laboratory. Practical tips and the most common mistakes to avoid.
Read more →Sending an asbestos sample by post
Can you send an asbestos sample by post? Yes. Read how to pack, label and send your sample to the Semlab laboratory from anywhere in the EU.
Read more →Analysis and results
What is an asbestos analysis?
What is an asbestos analysis, how does it work and when is it needed? Read a clear guide and order the analysis of your asbestos sample easily.
Read more →Asbestos analysis methods: PLM, SEM-EDS, TEM and XRD
Asbestos is analysed with polarised light microscopy (PLM), SEM-EDS, TEM and XRD. Read what each method shows and which method Semlab uses.
Read more →Price of an asbestos analysis
How much does an asbestos analysis cost? Find out what makes up the price and how to compare offers for asbestos sample analysis sensibly.
Read more →How much does an asbestos analysis cost?
An asbestos analysis at Semlab costs €49.99 incl. VAT per sample. What is included, what you pay yourself and how to order.
Read more →How long does an asbestos analysis take?
The asbestos sample is analysed and the result emailed on the same day the sample arrives at the laboratory. Read what makes up the total time.
Read more →Understanding your asbestos result
What does the result of an asbestos analysis mean in practice? Read how to interpret the result and what to do next.
Read more →Asbestos content: what does asbestos-containing material mean?
Asbestos-containing material is treated as asbestos even when the fibre content is low. Read why the content varies and what the laboratory report shows.
Read more →Positive asbestos result: what to do?
Did the sample contain asbestos? Leave the material undisturbed, mark off the work area, hire a specialist asbestos removal contractor and keep the documents.
Read more →Materials
Where can asbestos be found?
Where can asbestos be found? Read about the most common materials and building parts in which asbestos was used in older buildings.
Read more →Asbestos in vinyl flooring
Suspicious of an old vinyl floor or floor adhesive? Find out how to check whether vinyl floor coverings and their adhesive contain asbestos.
Read more →Asbestos in adhesive: black floor adhesive and bitumen adhesive
Black bituminous floor adhesive is a reason to have the floor tested, but its colour neither proves nor rules out asbestos. How to take a sample of the floor covering and adhesive.
Read more →Asbestos in tile adhesive
Planning to remove wall or floor tiles? Find out how to check whether the tile adhesive contains asbestos before you renovate.
Read more →Asbestos in wall filler
Planning to demolish, sand or renovate a wall? Find out how to check whether the filler on the wall contains asbestos.
Read more →Asbestos in joint sealant and window putty
Old panel joints, window putty and sealant around window frames can contain asbestos. How to take a sample before you renovate windows or renew joints.
Read more →Asbestos in drain pipes: how do you recognise an asbestos cement pipe?
An old drain pipe can be made of asbestos cement, cast iron, concrete or plastic. How to tell the pipes apart and take a sample before pipe replacement or pipe relining.
Read more →Asbestos in fire protection: sprayed asbestos, boards, fire doors and seals
Asbestos can be found in sprayed coatings, fireproof boards, fire doors, electrical distribution boards and penetration seals. This is how they are tested.
Read more →Asbestos in fireplaces and stoves: seals, protective boards and flue connections
In a fireplace or stove, asbestos can be in the door seal, the protective board, the compound at the flue pipe connection or the mortar. How to test the parts of a fireplace, stove or wood burner.
Read more →Buildings and renovation
Asbestos in an old house
Own an older house with a renovation coming up? Find out where asbestos can be found and how to check before demolition.
Read more →Asbestos in the bathroom
Planning to renovate your bathroom? Find out which bathroom materials can contain asbestos and how to check them.
Read more →Asbestos in renovation: how to check before demolition
Asbestos must be checked before demolition. Recognise the risk materials, take a sample or commission a survey, and find out what to do if asbestos turns up in the middle of the work.
Read more →Rules, permits and removal
Asbestos rules in the EU
What do the EU asbestos rules mean in practice when you renovate or demolish? A simple overview of the ban, testing before work, removal and waste – and why national rules matter.
Read more →When was asbestos banned in the EU?
When was asbestos banned? All asbestos has been banned throughout the EU since 1 January 2005, and many countries banned it earlier. Read why it still matters for renovations.
Read more →Asbestos survey or asbestos analysis
What is the difference between an asbestos survey and an asbestos analysis? Read a clear comparison and choose the right service for your situation.
Read more →When is an asbestos survey needed?
When do you need an asbestos survey, and when is an asbestos analysis enough? A clear guide for planning renovation and removal work.
Read more →Disposing of asbestos waste: where to take it and what it costs
Asbestos waste must be tightly packed and handed in at the right collection point. Find out where asbestos waste belongs, what the price depends on and why you should test the material first.
Read more →Asbestos and health
Asbestos fibre: what is it and why is it dangerous?
An asbestos fibre is a mineral fibre that is invisible to the naked eye and splits lengthwise into ever thinner strands. Find out when fibres are released and how they are identified.
Read more →Serpentine and amphibole: the two mineral groups of asbestos
Asbestos is divided into serpentine (chrysotile) and amphiboles. Read how the groups differ in structure and chemistry and how the laboratory tells them apart.
Read more →Asbestos in nature: where does asbestos come from?
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that forms in nature. Find out which rocks it occurs in, how it ended up in homes and what that means for you.
Read more →The history of asbestos in Europe: from widespread use to the EU ban
Asbestos was widely used in European buildings for much of the 20th century, until national bans and the EU-wide ban in 2005. How this history shows in the materials of older buildings.
Read more →Asbestos and safety
A plain-language guide to asbestos safety: when asbestos is dangerous, how to take a sample and how to stop dust from spreading.
Read more →Need an asbestos analysis?
Order a laboratory analysis of your asbestos sample online. Result on the day your sample arrives.