Reliable Asbestos Analysis for Bulk Building Materials
Accurate bulk material analysis to identify and quantify asbestos in building materials.
Reliable Asbestos Analysis for Bulk Building Materials
Suspect building materials must be properly analyzed before asbestos-related decisions can be made. Polarized Light Microscopy, commonly called PLM, is the standard analytical technique used to identify asbestos in bulk material samples.
Environmental Testing Laboratories, Inc. (ETL) provides PLM asbestos analysis for environmental consultants, asbestos inspectors, remediation contractors, property owners, schools, and public agencies.
NVLAP-Accredited Bulk Asbestos Laboratory — Lab Code 201028-0
ETL is accredited through the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP Lab Code 201028-0) for bulk asbestos analysis.
NVLAP Lab Code: 201028-0
Accreditation applies to the testing activities identified in ETL’s current scope of accreditation. NVLAP accreditation, Lab Code 201028-0, is a finding of laboratory competence and does not constitute product certification, approval, or endorsement by NVLAP, NIST, or any agency of the U.S. government.
Materials Commonly Analyzed Using PLM
PLM can be used to analyze many types of suspect building materials collected during asbestos surveys, property assessments, renovation planning, and demolition investigations.
Flooring and Adhesives
Floor tile, sheet flooring, backing materials, mastic, adhesive, and other resilient flooring components.
Walls and Ceilings
Drywall, joint compound, plaster, ceiling tile, acoustic materials, textured coatings, and fireproofing.
Mechanical and Exterior Materials
Pipe and boiler insulation, roofing, flashing, siding, cementitious panels, caulk, sealants, and other suspect materials.
How PLM Asbestos Analysis Works
PLM uses the optical properties of mineral fibers to determine whether asbestos is present in a bulk material sample. The analyst examines the sample’s components and evaluates suspected fibers under polarized light.
The PLM Analysis Process
- Sample examination: The analyst documents the material and identifies its distinct components or layers.
- Sample preparation: Representative portions of the material are selected and prepared for microscopic examination.
- Fiber identification: Suspected fibers are evaluated using their optical characteristics under polarized light.
- Asbestos estimation: The analyst estimates the percentage of asbestos observed within the sample.
- Laboratory reporting: Results identify whether asbestos was observed, the asbestos type, and its estimated percentage.
Supporting Surveys, Renovations, and Demolition
PLM results help qualified project professionals determine whether suspect building materials contain asbestos and plan the appropriate next steps.
Building Surveys
Analysis supporting pre-renovation, pre-demolition, and facility asbestos surveys.
Abatement Planning
Material identification supporting remediation scopes, work practices, and project planning.
Project Records
Clear laboratory reports for surveys, compliance files, management plans, and project documentation.
Does Your Sample Require More Than Routine PLM?
Certain materials and projects require additional preparation, greater analytical sensitivity, or a different asbestos air-analysis method. Explore ETL’s related asbestos laboratory services below or contact the laboratory for help understanding the available options.
Related Asbestos Laboratory Services
Gravimetric Reduction
Advanced sample preparation for materials containing binders, fillers, or other components that can interfere with routine PLM analysis.
TEM Asbestos Air Analysis
Highly sensitive airborne asbestos analysis supporting AHERA clearance and projects requiring asbestos-specific identification.
PCM Asbestos Air Analysis
Air-sample analysis following NIOSH Method 7400 for remediation, exposure monitoring, and applicable clearance projects.
Looking for Lead Sample Analysis?
Lead samples may be submitted to ETL with your other environmental samples. ETL coordinates analysis through our sister laboratory, Accurate Analytical Testing.
Submitting Bulk Asbestos Samples to ETL
Bulk samples may be mailed or delivered directly to ETL. Each submission should include a completed Chain of Custody with the sample identification, material description, project information, and requested analysis.
Prepare Your PLM Submission
- Select “Bulk (PLM)” under the asbestos analysis section.
- Clearly label every sample to match the Chain of Custody.
- Provide the project name and specific sample location.
- Describe the material being submitted when possible.
- Package each sample separately in a sealed container or bag.
- Keep the Chain of Custody outside the individual sample bags.
- Contact ETL before submitting unusual materials, limited samples, or large batches.
Mail or deliver samples to:
Environmental Testing Laboratories
37575 W. Huron River Drive
Romulus, Michigan 48174
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ETL accredited for PLM asbestos analysis?
What is PLM asbestos analysis?
Is PLM analysis appropriate for vermiculite?
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