Identifying Asbestos

Unless there's a clearly-marked label on the product, it is impossible to identify asbestos with the naked eye. A sample must be examined under a microscope by a trained and certified professional.

However, you really only need to repair or remove asbestos if it is frayed, cracking, crumbling, or has been sanded, scraped, cut, etc. Asbestos in good condition is not an immediate risk and should be monitored regularly. Of course, if you plan on disturbing the asbestos (for future construction, for example), you should strongly consider repairing or removing it.

You have two options:

Hire a professional Asbestos contractor. The EPA (and others) strongly recommend that you hire a professional to sample and test your house for asbestos. Check this section for how to find and select a qualified professional.

Purchase an Asbestos take-home sampling kit and do it yourself. You can buy take-home asbestos testing kits with lab service: you remove the asbestos sample yourself and mail it to a lab for analysis. While this is less expensive, you should be extremely careful when attempting to remove a sample: the very act of removing a sample will make the exposure significantly worse if not done properly. Check this page for advice on how to find a good take-home kit and tips for obtaining a sample safely.