Taking an asbestos sample is fairly simple if you do it correctly. The most important things are to identify the material to be analysed, to avoid spreading dust and to pack the sample carefully before sending it to the laboratory. In this article we explain step by step how to take an asbestos sample safely at home or on a building site.
Identify the material
Before taking the sample, you should know which material you want to have analysed. Asbestos can be found, for example, in tile adhesive, wall filler, vinyl floor coverings, pipe insulation and roofing materials. If the structure consists of several layers, every suspect layer of material should be sampled. A common mistake is to sample only the surface material, when the asbestos is in the adhesive or filler underneath.
What you need
You only need a few simple items to take the sample: protective gloves, a resealable bag for the sample and a knife or chisel to remove the sample. A respirator (at least class FFP3) is recommended.
Removing the sample
Remove the sample carefully, for example with a knife or chisel, so that you get a representative piece of the material. The sample should be about 2–5 centimetres in size, roughly the size of a matchbox. A sample that is too small can make the analysis in the laboratory difficult.
If the material has several layers, take the sample so that all layers are included. In a bathroom wall, for example, tile, tile adhesive and filler can lie on top of each other. Each layer can contain asbestos, and the laboratory examines them separately.
Labelling the sample
Label each sample clearly. Write the sampling location, the material and the date on the resealable bag or on a separate note. For example: "Bathroom, tile adhesive on wall, 15.03.2026". This makes the laboratory's work easier and ensures that the result can be matched to the right material and the right location.
The most common sampling mistakes
The most common mistake is taking the sample from the wrong layer. If you want the tile adhesive analysed, it is not enough to remove just the tile – the sample must include the adhesive layer. Another common mistake is a contaminated sample, in which material from the surroundings gets mixed in with the sample. A third mistake is spreading dust by removing the sample carelessly and so exposing yourself unnecessarily to possible asbestos fibres.
A sample that is too small also causes problems. If the laboratory only receives a tiny crumb to analyse, the reliability of the result can suffer. It is better to take a slightly larger piece – the laboratory will remove any excess if necessary.
Packing and sending the sample
After taking the sample, seal the resealable bag tightly, put it inside a second bag and then into a padded envelope or small box. This prevents the sample from contaminating anything in transit. Only send firmly bound material such as tiles, tile adhesive, filler or asbestos cement – dusty materials such as pipe insulation or sprayed insulation must not be sent by post.
Send the well-packed sample to the laboratory in Finland as a letter or small parcel with your national postal service. Some postal services do not accept goods in international letters; if yours does not, send it as a small parcel. The laboratory receives the sample, analyses it and emails you the result in English on the same day the sample arrives.
Summary
You can take an asbestos sample yourself if you follow the basic instructions: wear protective equipment, take a sufficiently large sample from the right layer and pack it carefully. This gives you a reliable result and lets you continue planning your renovation safely.