Asbestos Testing Laboratory

PLM bulk analysis, PCM airborne fiber monitoring, TEM clearance sampling, and full environmental matrix testing. We provide both in-house lab analysis and on-site sampling by licensed inspectors for renovation, demolition, abatement, and industrial compliance.

NVLAP ISO/IEC 17025 TX DSHS Licensed · PCM & PLM Rush Same-Day Available Lab & Field Inspectors
Get a Quote Download COC
What's onthis page Quick links to page sections
Why It MattersLegal & compliance
What Is It?PLM · PCM · TEM
6 Lab MethodsChoose the right test
6 Fiber TypesHealth risk guide
ACM Guide8 common materials
Report OutputMethods & results
TAT & Free KitsRush options
Field GuideSampling protocols
RegulationsOSHA · EPA · AHERA
Clearance TestingPost-abatement air
FAQ8 key questions
Why Asbestos Testing Matters

Why accredited asbestos analysis protects your business

EPA NESHAP Compliance

NVLAP-accredited lab results are legally required before any commercial demolition or renovation. Prevents civil penalties up to $70,117 per violation per day.

Worker Safety (OSHA)

PCM air monitoring confirms worker exposure is below the OSHA PEL (0.1 f/cc) during abatement — ensuring respiratory protection protocols are actually working.

Legal & Liability Shield

Improper disposal or accidental disturbance of ACM leads to massive lawsuits. Defensible NVLAP and DSHS lab reports are your documented legal protection.

Clearance & Reoccupancy

TEM and PCM post-abatement clearance sampling verifies that dangerous fibers are fully removed — a legal requirement before public or school reoccupancy.

Industrial Hygiene Laboratory

What Is Industrial Asbestos Testing?

Asbestos testing is the scientific analysis of bulk building materials, air, and surface dust to determine the presence, type, and concentration of regulated asbestos minerals. Because asbestos fibers are microscopic and completely invisible to the naked eye, specialized microscopy — PLM, PCM, TEM — is the only legally accepted way to verify compliance.

As a leading asbestos testing laboratory, AGT Labs holds every credential that matters in-house. No shipping to a network lab, no chain-of-custody uncertainty, no week-long wait for subcontractor results. When your renovation deadline or abatement clearance is on the line, you get results from the NVLAP-accredited lab that actually ran the samples.

  • On-site building inspections and physical sample collection by licensed field personnel
  • Bulk PLM analysis for pre-demolition and renovation ACM surveys
  • PCM airborne fiber monitoring — OSHA PEL compliance documentation
  • TEM analysis — AHERA school clearance, definitive fiber speciation
  • Settled dust and surface wipe testing (ASTM D6480 / D5755)
  • Soil, sediment, vermiculite, and environmental matrix analysis
  • Water and wastewater asbestos structure counts (EPA 100.1 / 100.2)
Asbestos laboratory PLM analysis bulk sample preparation Houston TX in-house NVLAP accredited
Sampling & Analysis Methods

Six Asbestos Testing Methods — PLM · PCM · TEM

Every method answers a different question. Using the wrong one wastes money, delays permits, or produces data a regulator won't accept. Here's exactly what each method measures and what you receive in the report.

BULK 01

Bulk PLM Analysis

Identifies asbestos type and percentage by weight in bulk building materials. The standard method for pre-renovation and pre-demolition surveys under EPA NESHAP. Each distinct layer is analyzed and reported separately.

Standard:EPA 600/R-93/116 · ASTM D6281
Sensitivity:~1% by volume (qualitative)
Report:Fiber type + % per layer + ACM determination
Rush:Same-day to 3-day available
BULK 02

PLM Point Count

When standard PLM returns "trace," point counting quantifies asbestos content to 0.25% or 0.1% sensitivity — required for waste classification and sub-1% regulatory threshold determination.

Standard:EPA 600/R-93/116 (400 or 1000 point)
Sensitivity:0.25% (400-pt) or 0.1% (1000-pt)
Report:Quantitative % by fiber type
AIR 03

PCM Air Monitoring

Counts total airborne fibers per cubic centimeter from 25mm MCE cassette samples. The OSHA standard method for worker personal exposure monitoring during abatement. Compares directly to OSHA PEL (0.1 f/cc).

Standard:NIOSH 7400 (A-rules / B-rules)
Media:25mm MCE cassette (0.8 µm)
Report:f/cc + OSHA PEL comparison
Rush:Same-day to 3-day available
AIR 04

TEM Air — AHERA Clearance

Required for post-abatement clearance in AHERA-regulated schools. PCM cannot meet AHERA requirements — only TEM provides exact fiber type speciation mandated by EPA. Uses 25mm PC cassettes (NOT MCE).

Standard:NIOSH 7402 · EPA AHERA (40 CFR 763)
Media:25mm PC cassette — NOT MCE
Report:f/cc by fiber type + EDS + AHERA pass/fail
SURFACE 05

Settled Dust & Wipe TEM

Measures asbestos structures per cm² on surfaces — flooring, HVAC registers, shelving — after abatement or disturbance incidents. Critical for reoccupancy clearance and litigation documentation.

Standard:ASTM D6480 / ASTM D5755
Samples:Micro-vacuum, tape lift, wet wipe
Report:Structures/cm² by fiber type
ENV 06

Soil, Vermiculite & Water

Analysis of soil, sediment, vermiculite attic insulation (EPA 600/R-04/004 TEM — PLM will miss amphibole fibers), and drinking water (EPA 100.1/100.2). Required for remediation sites and naturally occurring asbestos (NOA).

Standards:ASTM D7521, EPA 600/R-04/004, EPA 100.1/100.2
Matrices:Soil · Vermiculite · Groundwater · Effluent
Report:Fiber type + concentration + waste classification

Quick Method Selector — What do you need to test?

Pre-renovation or pre-demolition building survey?
→ Bulk PLM (EPA 600/R-93/116)
OSHA worker exposure during abatement?
→ PCM air sampling (NIOSH 7400)
Post-abatement clearance for a school?
→ TEM air — AHERA only (NIOSH 7402)
PLM returned "trace" — need firm call?
→ PLM Point Count (400-pt or 1000-pt)
Surface cleanliness after abatement?
→ TEM dust wipe (ASTM D6480)
Vermiculite attic insulation?
→ TEM ONLY — EPA 600/R-04/004, not PLM
Regulated Asbestos Minerals

Six EPA-Regulated Fiber Types We Identify

Fiber type determines health risk, regulatory treatment, and which analytical method reliably detects it. Our certified microscopists identify all six EPA-regulated asbestos minerals.

Chrysotile
White asbestos · Serpentine group
SerpentineMost Common (~95%)EPA Regulated
Accounts for ~95% of asbestos commercially used worldwide. Found in floor tiles, drywall compound, roofing, and most thermal insulation. Still classified as a Group 1 carcinogen (IARC). PLM and TEM both detect chrysotile reliably.
Amosite
Brown asbestos · Grunerite series
AmphiboleHigh PotencyEPA Regulated
Straight, brittle fibers highly persistent in lung tissue — strongly associated with mesothelioma and lung cancer. Common in spray-applied fireproofing, ceiling tiles, and pipe insulation.
Crocidolite
Blue asbestos · Riebeckite series
AmphiboleHighest PotencyEPA Regulated
Considered the most carcinogenic asbestos fiber type due to its thin diameter and high biopersistence. Associated with the highest mesothelioma rates per unit exposure. Found in pipe lagging, cement products, and certain insulation boards.
Tremolite
Tremolite asbestos · Calc-amphibole
AmphiboleEPA Regulated
Present as a contaminant in vermiculite, talc, and some chrysotile deposits. Responsible for the health crisis at Libby, Montana. TEM is required to detect tremolite in vermiculite — standard PLM will not reliably identify it.
Actinolite
Actinolite asbestos · Amphibole series
AmphiboleEPA Regulated
Found as a contaminant in some paint, spackle, and vermiculite products. EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) on TEM is typically needed for definitive differentiation from tremolite in mixed fiber samples.
Anthophyllite
Anthophyllite asbestos · Mg-Fe amphibole
AmphiboleEPA Regulated
Rarest of the six regulated types in US buildings. Occasionally found as a contaminant in talc-based products and flooring mastics. Identified by characteristic pleochroism and extinction angle under PLM; confirmed by EDS under TEM.
Asbestos-Containing Materials

Where Asbestos Hides in Buildings — ACM Reference Guide

Pre-1980 construction carries the highest ACM risk, but asbestos-containing products were used through the 1990s in some categories. Each card shows the correct test method for that material.

Thermal System Insulation
Friable · High
Pipe wrap, boiler insulation, tank jacketing
Most common high-risk ACM in pre-1980 industrial facilities. Friable when deteriorated — disturbance during HVAC or plumbing work releases fibers readily. Must be assessed before any mechanical room work.
→ Bulk PLM · EPA 600/R-93/116
Floor Tiles & Mastics
Non-Friable If Intact
9×9, 12×12 vinyl tiles, cutback mastic adhesive
9×9 inch floor tiles from pre-1980 are almost universally asbestos-containing. The mastic beneath is equally likely to contain chrysotile. Extremely hazardous when dry-scraped during removal.
→ Bulk PLM · Each layer analyzed separately
Spray Fireproofing (SFRM)
Friable · High Content
Structural steel fireproofing, textured coatings
Spray-applied fireproofing frequently contains amosite or chrysotile at 20–60%. Damaged SFRM is a primary source of ongoing airborne fiber release in occupied buildings.
→ Bulk PLM + PCM air monitoring if disturbed
Drywall Joint Compound
Sanding Risk
Joint compound, tape compound, texture coatings
Pre-1977 joint compound is one of the most common high-exposure scenarios in renovation. Dry sanding generates respirable chrysotile well above OSHA PEL. Test before any patching or surface prep work.
→ Bulk PLM + PCM personal monitoring during work
Ceiling Tiles
Condition-Dependent
Acoustical ceiling tiles, lay-in tiles
Many pre-1980 acoustic ceiling tiles contain chrysotile or amosite. Minimal risk when intact, but breaking or cutting during renovation generates fiber release. Water-damaged tiles may become friable.
→ Bulk PLM · Each tile type analyzed separately
Roofing Materials
Tear-Off Risk
Built-up roofing, felts, shingles, bituminous compounds
Pre-1980 roofing felts and built-up membranes contain chrysotile. Non-friable when intact. Hazardous during mechanical tear-off. Texas requires asbestos survey before commercial roofing replacement.
→ Bulk PLM per roofing system layer
Transite & Cement Board
Cutting / Drilling Risk
Asbestos-cement pipe, siding, transite panels
Transite contains very high chrysotile concentrations (15–50%). Common in industrial facilities and older schools. Cutting or drilling without controls generates extremely high fiber counts in confined spaces.
→ Bulk PLM · PCM required for any cutting work
Vermiculite Insulation
Requires TEM — Not PLM
Attic fills — Zonolite and similar products
Vermiculite from Libby, MT is contaminated with tremolite amphibole asbestos. Standard PLM WILL NOT detect these fibers. EPA 600/R-04/004 TEM is mandatory. Present in millions of US attics.
→ TEM ONLY — EPA 600/R-04/004
Lab Accreditation NVLAP · ISO/IEC 17025:2017
Environmental Testing PJLA Accredited
State License TX DSHS · PCM & PLM
IH Lab Accreditation AIHA LAP · ID: LAP-101470
Report Deliverables

Every Method, Every Standard, Every Deliverable

No surprises in your asbestos testing report. Here's exactly what each analysis returns — methods, media, and deliverables side by side.

Analysis Type Method / Standard Sample Media Report Deliverable Rush?
Bulk PLM — QualitativeEPA 600/R-93/116 · ASTM D6281Bulk material (per layer)Fiber type + % asbestos + ACM determinationYes
Bulk PLM — Point CountEPA 600/R-93/116 (400-pt / 1000-pt)Bulk materialQuantitative % to 0.25% / 0.1% + fiber typeLimited
PCM Air MonitoringNIOSH 7400 (A & B rules)25mm MCE cassette (0.8 µm)f/cc + OSHA PEL comparison + classificationYes
TEM Air — AHERANIOSH 7402 · EPA AHERA25mm PC cassette (0.45 µm)f/cc by fiber type + EDS + AHERA pass/failAvailable
TEM Settled DustASTM D6480 / D5755Micro-vacuum, tape lift, wipeStructures/cm² by fiber type + clearance callAvailable
Soil / Sediment TEMASTM D7521 · EPA 600/R-04/004Soil, sediment, debrisFiber type + concentration + waste classificationCall
Vermiculite TEMEPA 600/R-04/004Vermiculite sampleAmphibole structures by type + exposure classificationCall
Water / WastewaterEPA 100.1 (LM) · EPA 100.2 (TEM)Water sample (filtered)Fibers/L by fiber type + SDWA complianceCall
Lab Logistics

Turnaround Times & Free Sampling Kits

Every rush option and kit detail — clearly laid out before you submit your first sample.

Turnaround Options
Same-Day RushBefore 2:00 PM CSTCall for pricing
1-Day Rush1 business day+100%
2-Day Rush2 business days+75%
3-Day Rush3 business days+50%
4-Day Rush4 business days+25%
Standard7+ business daysNo Surcharge
Samples received before 2:00 PM CST logged same day. Multi-layer bulk PLM billed per layer. Call (713) 453-6090 to confirm rush availability.

Free Sampling Kit Includes

  • 25mm MCE cassettes (0.8 µm) — PCM air sampling
  • 25mm PC cassettes (0.45 µm) — TEM air sampling
  • Bulk sample airtight containers, pre-labeled
  • Surface wipe supplies and micro-vacuum cassettes
  • Field blank cassettes (10% QA compliance)
  • Pre-paid UPS return shipping label (domestic)
  • Lot-certified, calibration-traceable media documentation
  • Asbestos Chain of Custody form
Download Asbestos COC

Kits ship via UPS Ground — order with 5 business days notice. Houston metro courier pickup available: (713) 453-6090.

Field Protocol Reference

Asbestos Sampling Field Requirements

Incorrect sampling invalidates results and wastes project time. Follow these parameters to ensure every sample produces valid, defensible data. Full reference: IH Sampling & Analysis Guide.

PCM Air Sampling
Media
25mm MCE cassette (0.8 µm). Do NOT use PC cassettes for PCM — different preparation method.
Flow rate
Personal: 1–2 L/min. Area: 2–4 L/min. Maximum 16 L/min. Record exact flow rate on COC.
Volume
400–2,000 L typical. High-dust environments: lower volume to prevent overloading the cassette.
Field blanks
Minimum 10% of sample count. Open cassette 30 seconds, seal immediately. Label on COC as "field blank."
TEM Air (AHERA)
Media
25mm PC cassette (0.45 µm) ONLY. MCE cassette preparation is incompatible with TEM — will void the sample.
AHERA volume
Minimum 1,200 L per clearance sample for occupied areas. Follow EPA AHERA 40 CFR 763 Appendix A.
Handling
Do NOT expose to direct sunlight after sampling — UV degrades the filter. Seal end caps immediately.
Field blanks
3 blanks minimum per TEM air batch (AHERA requirement). Open 30 seconds at each clearance area, then seal.
Bulk PLM Sampling
Volume
Minimum 1–2 cm³ per sample. Fill a 20 mL container at least ¼ full. More material is better for heterogeneous matrices.
Layers
Each distinct layer must be sampled separately — each is billed and reported individually. Photograph all layers before sampling.
Suppression
Mist sampling area with water before collection. Use HEPA vacuum adjacent to sampling location. Wear appropriate PPE.
Sealing
Seal in airtight containers immediately. Double-bag friable materials. Label with sample ID, date, location, and depth.
Surface Wipe & Dust
Wipe area
100 cm² exactly (10×10 cm template). Use S-pattern. Record exact area wiped on COC — results reported as structures/cm².
Technique
Pre-moistened wipe, fold inward after wiping. Seal in airtight container. Label with surface type and dimensions.
Micro-vacuum
Use 25mm PC cassette with micro-vacuum nozzle per ASTM D5755. Document flow rate and surface area on COC.
Ship to
10200 East Freeway Suite 101, Houston TX 77029. Before 2:00 PM CST for same-day log-in. (713) 453-6090.
Submission Workflow

From Sample Collection to Certified Asbestos Report

1

Request Kit or COC

Call, email, or download the Asbestos COC. Kits ship free with 5 days notice. Use your own NVLAP-approved media if preferred.

2

Collect Samples (Or We Can)

Follow field parameters above, or schedule our licensed inspectors to handle the collection on-site. Seal all cassettes and bulk containers immediately.

3

Ship or Drop Off

Ship via UPS or schedule Houston metro courier pickup. Samples logged same day if received before 2:00 PM CST.

4

In-House Analysis

PLM, PCM, or TEM analysis by certified microscopists at our Houston facility. No outsourcing. QA review included.

5

Certified Report

Results on secure portal with method references, MDLs, fiber counts, analyst signature, QA sign-off, and NVLAP accreditation number.

Regulatory Compliance

Standards That Require Accredited Asbestos Testing

Every AGT Labs asbestos report is structured to satisfy all applicable federal and Texas state requirements.

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101 — Construction
Requires initial exposure assessment and PCM air monitoring for Class I–IV asbestos construction work. PEL: 0.1 f/cc TWA. Excursion limit: 1.0 f/cc. Lab analysis must use NVLAP-equivalent accredited laboratory.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1001 — General Industry
Covers asbestos exposure in manufacturing, industrial maintenance, and custodial operations. Same PEL as construction standard. Applies to refineries, chemical plants, shipyards, and industrial facilities across Texas.
EPA NESHAP — 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M
Requires an asbestos survey before demolition or renovation of any public or commercial building regardless of age. Mandates NVLAP-accredited lab analysis. Civil penalties up to $70,117 per day per violation.
EPA AHERA — 40 CFR Part 763
Governs asbestos management in K–12 schools. Requires 3-year reinspection, periodic surveillance, and TEM-only air clearance after abatement. PCM is not a permitted AHERA clearance method. NVLAP accreditation mandatory.
NVLAP — ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation
NIST's NVLAP program is the mandatory lab credential for AHERA and EPA NESHAP compliance. AGT Labs holds active NVLAP accreditation for asbestos fiber analysis — making every result legally defensible nationwide.
Texas DSHS — Asbestos Laboratory License
Texas DSHS requires state licensure for asbestos labs operating in Texas. AGT Labs holds DSHS Asbestos Laboratory authorization for both PCM and PLM analysis — mandatory for all regulated asbestos projects in Texas.
Industries & Clients

Who Relies on Our Asbestos Testing Laboratory

Environmental Consultants

Pre-demolition PLM bulk surveys, TEM clearance packages, and expert report support across Texas and the Gulf Coast. Competitive bulk sample pricing for high-volume accounts.

Abatement Contractors

Baseline PLM, real-time PCM personal monitoring during abatement, and post-abatement PCM/TEM clearance letters. Rush same-day available to keep projects on schedule.

Schools & Government

EPA AHERA-compliant TEM clearance sampling, 3-year reinspection support, and periodic surveillance for K–12 schools, universities, and public buildings. NVLAP accreditation mandatory — and held.

Industrial & Petrochemical

OSHA 1910.1001 exposure assessments for refineries, chemical plants, and power facilities. Gasket surveys, TSI condition assessments, and maintenance monitoring for Texas Gulf Coast operations.

Insurance & Legal

Litigation-grade chain-of-custody documentation, expert microscopist declarations, and annotated TEM/PLM micrographs. NVLAP and PJLA accreditation ensures admissibility in Texas courts.

Property Owners & Real Estate

Pre-purchase asbestos surveys, disclosure compliance testing, O&M program development, and renovation clearance documentation. All results formatted for bank, insurer, and municipal permit review.

Abatement & Post-Project Testing

Asbestos Abatement Monitoring & Post-Clearance Air Testing

Asbestos fiber concentrations spike significantly when ACM is disturbed. Real-time PCM monitoring during abatement confirms that negative pressure enclosures, HEPA filtration, and wet methods are functioning before workers and adjacent areas are exposed.

Post-abatement clearance air testing is a legal requirement for most regulated projects. PCM clearance satisfies OSHA and Texas DSHS for commercial projects. TEM clearance satisfies EPA AHERA for schools. Both include written clearance reports with specific pass/fail determinations.

  • Personal PCM monitoring during active asbestos abatement
  • Area monitoring inside and outside containment zones
  • TEM air clearance for AHERA-regulated school projects
  • Post-abatement surface wipe verification (ASTM D6480)
  • Written clearance letters accepted by OSHA, EPA, DSHS
  • Rush clearance — same-day and 1-day TAT available
Post-abatement asbestos clearance air testing PCM fiber monitoring Houston TX
Client Questions

Asbestos Testing — Frequently Asked Questions

When is asbestos testing legally required in Texas?
EPA NESHAP (40 CFR 61 Subpart M) requires an asbestos survey before demolition or renovation of any public or commercial building regardless of age. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101 requires exposure assessment before Class I–IV asbestos work. Texas DSHS requires DSHS-licensed lab analysis for all regulated asbestos work in Texas.
What is the difference between PLM, PCM, and TEM?
PLM identifies asbestos type and percentage in bulk building materials — used for pre-renovation surveys.

PCM counts total airborne fibers per cc from air samples — the OSHA standard for worker exposure monitoring. Cannot distinguish asbestos from other fibers.

TEM identifies individual asbestos fiber types at high magnification. Required for AHERA school clearances, definitive fiber speciation, and litigation-grade documentation.
Is AGT Labs an NVLAP accredited asbestos testing laboratory?
Yes. AGT Labs holds NVLAP accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for asbestos fiber analysis, PJLA Environmental Testing accreditation, Texas DSHS Asbestos Laboratory licensing for PCM and PLM, and AIHA LAP LLC accreditation. NVLAP is required for all AHERA school projects and EPA NESHAP compliance nationally.
Can PCM be used for AHERA school clearance?
No. EPA AHERA (40 CFR Part 763) specifically requires TEM air analysis for post-abatement clearance in schools. PCM cannot differentiate asbestos fibers from other airborne fibers. Use 25mm PC (polycarbonate) cassettes for TEM school clearance samples — not the MCE cassettes used for PCM.
What materials most commonly contain asbestos?
Pre-1980 buildings: thermal pipe and boiler insulation, 9×9 floor tiles and mastics, drywall joint compound (especially pre-1977), spray-applied fireproofing, ceiling tiles, roofing felts, transite board, and vermiculite attic insulation (vermiculite requires TEM, not PLM). Buildings from 1980–1990 may still contain asbestos in flooring, roofing, and industrial gaskets.
What does a PLM "non-detect" mean for my permit?
Standard PLM non-detect (below ~1% by volume) is generally sufficient for NESHAP and OSHA compliance. If a sample returns "trace" or the project requires sub-1% determination for waste classification, PLM point count to 0.25% (400-point) or 0.1% (1000-point) is required.
Do you supply sampling media and kits?
Yes. With 5 business days notice, AGT Labs supplies complete kits at no charge — MCE and PC cassettes, bulk containers, wipe supplies, pre-numbered COC, and pre-paid return shipping. Media is lot-certified and calibration-traceable. We also send licensed inspectors out to buildings to physically collect samples if you prefer not to do it yourself. Call (713) 453-6090 or email info@agtlabs.com to order.
Why does vermiculite require TEM instead of PLM?
Vermiculite from Libby, Montana is contaminated with tremolite and winchite — amphibole asbestos minerals that standard PLM will not reliably detect. The EPA developed a specific TEM protocol (EPA 600/R-04/004) precisely because PLM misses these amphiboles. Any vermiculite assessment must use TEM per EPA 600/R-04/004 to produce defensible results.

Ready to Submit Asbestos Samples?

NVLAP accredited asbestos testing laboratory · TX DSHS licensed · PLM · PCM · TEM · Rush same-day available · Houston TX · Nationwide shipping

Get a Quote Call (713) 453-6090
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