Since asbestos was a popular building material for decades, it is still present in many older homes and businesses. Unfortunately, exposure can cause diseases and cancer. While proactive testing is vital for preserving the health and well-being of occupants, do-it-yourself removal is dangerous and highly illegal. Licensed professionals are essential. Who does asbestos testing in California?

How to Tell Whether a Property Has Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals. When crushed, it turns into fibers, not sand. This is because it contains bundles of strong, small fibers, each composed of many microscopic fibrils. They are typically so small they can only be seen under a microscope, making it difficult to tell whether it is present.

What Year Was the Property Built?

Asbestos used to be a common building material because of its resistance to heat and fire. In addition to being an incredible insulator, it was durable and strong. Its use dropped off in the 1970s when people realized its dangers. However, it may still be present in buildings and construction materials made before the 1980s.

Where Is Asbestos Commonly Found?

Asbestos is commonly found in insulation containing vermiculite. It is also often present in floor tiles, textured paint, cement sheets, old pipes, ceiling tiles and roof shingles. While occupants’ day-to-day activities may not release fibers, disturbance, renovation and demolition guarantee exposure. For this reason, building owners must conduct asbestos testing beforehand.

Understanding the Importance of Asbestos Testing

Breathing in toxic, carcinogenic fibrils causes health problems. Prolonged or acute exposure can lead to lung diseases or even cancer. In addition to preserving occupants’ health and well-being, asbestos testing is vital because it is sometimes required by law.

What Are California’s Abatement Regulations?

Due to health risks, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the United States Environmental Protection Agency heavily regulate this toxic substance. California oversees the removal, transportation and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. Testing must be done before renovation, remodeling or demolition.

When Should Someone Call a Licensed Professional?

According to Title 8, Section 1529 of the California Code of Regulations, individuals need an asbestos consultant if the work area comprises 100 square feet or more surface area. However, even if the area is 10 square feet or less, they must hire a competent person. This term is legally defined as someone with the expertise and authority to manage asbestos.

Only Cal/OSHA-certified asbestos consultants can provide consulting services. This includes building inspection, site surveillance, sample collection, abatement project development, management plant preparation and clearance air monitoring.

Removing cancer-causing shingles, popcorn ceilings or wallboard is not a DIY project. It requires protective gear, specialized equipment and an extensive knowledge of ACMs. However, proactive action is vital for health and safety. A licensed professional who does asbestos testing in California can navigate the complexities of remediation.

Who Does Asbestos Testing Best in California?

Since California has incredibly strict environmental and safety regulations, licensed contractors and consultants are held to high standards. Among those registered to perform asbestos-related work, several stand out.

A-Tech Consulting Inc.

For almost two decades, A-Tech Consulting Inc. has provided industrial hygiene, environmental engineering, and health and safety services throughout the state. Out of all those who do asbestos testing in California, this small-business enterprise is among the best. Its in-house specialists are polite, professional and experienced, handling even the smallest jobs with care.

A-Tech Consulting provides end-to-end services, from building history research to management plan development. It uses state-of-the-art polarized light microscopy, environmental monitoring and analytics methods to evaluate affected areas, meeting each of the state’s strict asbestos testing standards to ensure regulatory compliance.

In one review, the vice president of litigation and risk management at a large real estate firm said A-Tech Consulting’s rates were “the most competitive in the business” and praised the team for being “highly responsive.” They went on to say they trust this company with the health and safety of their employees, customers and tenants.

AbateX LLC

For over 20 years, AbateX LLC has provided demolition and asbestos removal services for residential and commercial clients in Santa Barbara, Fresno, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties. In addition to being DOSH-certified, it is registered as a hazardous waste transporter, ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations.

Throughout the process, project managers will oversee each job from start to finish, providing daily updates until the final clearance test is passed. One reviewer said they “had some very tight timelines” that the team had no trouble hitting. They also stated the work was “amazing,” and the jobsite was cleaned well.

Eco Bay Services Inc.

Located in the Dogpatch neighborhood, Eco Bay Services Inc. is uniquely positioned for rapid response throughout California. If the unexpected occurs, it can immediately mobilize labor and resources. This firm is a fully licensed, bonded and insured environmental and insulation contractor specializing in asbestos abatement.

Since 2007, Eco Bay Services has logged tens of thousands of hours in abatement contracting, demonstrating its expertise. Its trained consultants are certified by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health and licensed by California. Like other top-rated companies, it is certified as a local business enterprise by the Contract Monitoring Division.

Sky Blue Environmental Inc.

The family-owned business Sky Blue Environmental Inc. has served thousands of clients throughout Southern California since 1995. Its licensed, trained, insured team can handle abatement and remediation jobs regardless of size or complexity. It specializes in removing asbestos from drywall, popcorn ceilings and roofs.

While Sky Blue Environmental Inc. is based in Los Angeles County, it also serves clients in Orange, Ventura and Riverside counties. Unlike other companies, it provides emergency services. It also offers free estimates, which could help streamline decision-making during the planning stage.

Reviewers have praised Sky Blue Environmental’s professionalism and performance. One rated it five stars, stating its “expertise and dedication are unmatched.” Another highly recommended it, expressing that “their thorough and professional asbestos abatement” exceeded their expectations.

Western Abatement Inc.

Like other leading asbestos testing and abatement companies, Western Abatement Inc. is licensed in California and certified by DOSH. It has handled asbestos removal, decontamination and demolition, serving industrial, commercial and government facilities throughout the state for many decades.

In one review, Andy from Pulte Homes stated its job was “not an easy project” because of time constraints and proximity to an active residential neighborhood. However, thanks to the company’s turnkey approach, it “went off with no problems.” Moreover, when the project scope increased, the team dealt with it quickly “with no impact to the schedule or budget.”

What to Expect During Inspection and Testing

A licensed, trained professional may conduct building research to identify high-risk areas before stepping on-site. Structures constructed before the 1980s — or those built with older construction materials — are more likely to contain ACMs. Once they draft an inspection plan, they will conduct an in-person walk-through.

If the expert sees any material they believe may contain ACMs, they will collect a sample. They use a wetting method, specialized tools and precise movements to keep carcinogenic fibers from being released.

Although destructive sampling — partially dismantling or destroying structures to collect samples — is not a baseline survey method, it may be required to access hard-to-reach areas. For example, a contractor may need to get under the floorboards or behind the walls to test the insulation. However, they will typically be careful to minimize fibril exposure.

Regardless of the method, sample collection is conducted in a regulated area. Contractors should inform the homeowner or building owner of this requirement because it makes areas inaccessible.

The samples are carefully sealed, clearly labeled and evaluated in a laboratory setting using specialized equipment since the fibrils are microscopic. The company that conducted the asbestos testing will send a detailed report on its findings. Depending on the levels found, it may move forward with abatement — removal — or management.

In California, if the contractor who does asbestos testing finds ACMs, they have 24 hours to inform the building owner and employees of the discovery. Thanks to local laws, the process should move relatively quickly.

What Sets These Companies Apart From the Rest?

California has dozens of Cal/OSHA-certified asbestos consultants. Naturally, some are better than others. Customers should consider service quality and regulatory compliance to understand what sets A-Tech Consulting, AbateX, Eco Bay Services, Sky Blue Environmental and Western Abatement apart from the rest.

Testing and Abatement Service Quality

Anyone who does asbestos testing in California must follow state and federal regulations. Those who go above and beyond prove their commitment to their client’s health and safety, which is how people can tell they are quality. Generally, companies with multiple credentials, certifications and awards are better than those without.

Precautions Taken During Removal

Properly regulating and sectioning off the affected area during material sampling, removal and disposal is essential because disruption will kick fibers into the air. Moreover, quality contractors don’t just use appropriate tools and cutting-edge analytical methods — they carefully log every action and clearly label all samples.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Testing

Even though trained professionals walk their clients through the process, understanding how testing and removal work before hiring a contractor is beneficial. It can streamline communication, preparation and planning.

What Should I Do if I Suspect My Building Has Asbestos?

Individuals should not attempt to dispose of materials they suspect are ACMs. DIY asbestos removal is dangerous and against the law. Under Title 8, Section 1529 of the California Code of Regulations, it is highly illegal. Homeowners and business owners should put their trust in a licensed professional who does asbestos testing in California for a living.

Since ACMs are cancer-causing materials, building owners should be proactive. The sooner they test, the faster they reduce their exposure, preserving the health and safety of occupants, tenants and employees.

How Much Does Asbestos Testing and Removal Cost?

On average, inspection and testing costs between $250 and $800 in the United States. While removal spans $1,170 to $3,120, the company may charge additional fees for cleanup and disposal. Factors like square footage and ACM location will affect price. Generally, the total cost ranges anywhere from $500 to $150,000.

What Will the Asbestos Testing Report Include?

A survey aims to determine the location and quantity of asbestos. It contains the mapped locations of building material samples and analytical results, including field inspection conclusions and whether samples confirmed the presence of ACMs.

The surveyor should note the physical condition and dimensions of each ACM, and contractors should know the actual volume and location of asbestos to properly remove it. Reports might also contain photographs and additional details. Companies specializing in abatement may provide recommendations for management or removal.

Is It Dangerous to Have ACMs in My Building?

Not necessarily. Asbestos does not automatically present a health hazard, and living with it is not automatically dangerous. However, considering any disruption can send toxic, microscopic fibrils into the air, proactive abatement is crucial.

Do I Have to Disclose That the Building Contains Asbestos?

Since asbestos is on the Proposition 65 list as a cancer-causing material, businesses must warn people — including occupants, employees and tenants — before knowingly exposing them. No warning is required if the amount is too low to considerably contribute to cancer risk. A good rule of thumb is to err on the side of caution to minimize legal liabilities.

Under California Civil Code Section 1102, home sellers must provide the prospective buyer with a real estate transfer disclosure statement that outlines potential hazards like asbestos. Further, state law explicitly mandates the disclosure of ACMs in structures built before 1979 under Health and Safety Code Sections 25915 through 25919.7.

Pick a Contractor Who Does Asbestos Testing in California

Knowing who does asbestos testing in California best can help homeowners, business owners, and health and safety professionals get top-quality service at a competitive rate. It also minimizes legal liabilities and preserves the health of occupants, which are significant benefits. Entities should do their research and choose a contractor that would be the best fit for their situation.