Is asbestos testing legally required?

In Oregon: State of Oregon law states that if a contractor will disturb materials in a home built before Jan. 1, 2004, an asbestos survey by an accredited inspector is required before renovation or demolition. Owner-occupants doing their own renovation are exempt from the survey rule (but it’s still strongly recommended to test). In Washington: State of Washington law requires a “good faith” asbestos inspection by an AHERA-certified inspector is required before remodel, repair, or demolition that could disturb suspect materials. Local clean-air agencies (e.g., PSCAA)

What happens if asbestos is found?

If work will impact the material—and especially if lab results are >1% asbestos—removal must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor following DEQ/OSHA rules. If materials are intact and will remain undisturbed, leaving them in place is often acceptable per EPA guidance.

Is the asbestos testing process safe?

Our AHERA-accredited inspectors take small, targeted bulk samples from suspect materials (e.g., flooring, joint compound, ceiling texture) using minimally invasive methods. If anything appears friable or deteriorating, we apply added controls to minimize fiber release.

Does Healthy Home perform asbestos abatement?

Healthy Home is a testing-only firm. We perform inspections, collect bulk samples, and provide lab-certified reports with clear next steps. If removal is required (e.g., materials test >1% asbestos), the work must be done by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor under DEQ/OSHA rules. We can refer reputable, licensed firms and, if needed, return for post-work verification/testing and documentation.

How long does it take to get the results?

Most asbestos reports are delivered within 1-4 business days. Rush analysis is available for time-sensitive projects.

What does asbestos testing cost?

Healthy Home charges a $350 base inspection fee plus $25 per sample. Additional travel charges may apply for longer distance appointments. The number of samples required is based on homogeneous material areas (HMAs), meaning each distinct material (e.g., drywall + joint compound, popcorn ceiling, vinyl tile, black mastic) is its own group. In practice, that usually works out to ~4–8 samples for a small bath, ~6–10 for a kitchen, and ~20–40+ for whole-home pre-demo, depending on how many different materials are present.

Can I test for asbestos myself?

Homeowners can collect and submit samples to a lab, but there are important limits: In Oregon, DIY is not prohibited for owner-occupants, but if a contractor is involved—or you need documentation for permits/disposal—a survey by an accredited inspector is required. In Washington, state rules require a good-faith inspection by an AHERA inspector before work that could disturb suspect materials; some local agencies (e.g., PSCAA) outline narrow homeowner options for single-family remodel (not demolition).

Can you coordinate with my contractor or real-estate timeline?

Yes. We routinely align scopes with remodelers, buyers/sellers, and property managers to keep projects on schedule.

Will my project need permits or notifications?

If abatement is required (e.g., materials >1% and will be disturbed), your abatement contractor will handle required notifications and disposal documentation. We’ll provide the survey report they need.

Do older homes always have asbestos?

Not always, but many pre-1980 homes do. In Oregon, homes built before 2004 warrant testing before renovation because legacy materials may still be present.

What’s the difference between a limited and a comprehensive asbestos inspection?

A limited inspection targets only the areas/materials within your project scope. A comprehensive inspection includes a full survey of all suspect materials inside and outside the home.

Asbestos Testing

Whether you’re planning a remodel, managing a property, or responding to damage, we deliver fast, accurate results that comply with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulations.

What you should know about asbestos in homes

Asbestos was widely used in building materials until the 1980s and may still be present in homes built before 2004. It can pose serious health risks when disturbed.

Asbestos is commonly found in older building materials like flooring, siding, insulation, and drywall compounds. Disturbing it during remodeling or demolition can pose serious health risks.

What are ACMs?

Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) are any materials that contain more than 1 percent asbestos by weight. Even trace amounts are enough for a material to be classified as an ACM. These can include insulation, joint compound, floor tiles, mastic, and cement siding, among many others.

If a material is found to contain more than 1% asbestos, it becomes subject to strict abatement requirements under Oregon DEQ and OSHA rules. These regulated ACMs must be removed or disturbed only by licensed asbestos abatement contractors following safety protocols, air monitoring, and proper waste handling procedures.

State regulations only require licensed abatement contractors if the asbestos content exceeds 1% by weight. That said, homeowners should exercise caution: disturbing even low-percentage ACMs during renovation or demolition can still release harmful fibers into the air.

What is Asbestos Testing?

Simply speaking, asbestos testing is performed by taking a sample of the suspect material and sending it to an accredited laboratory to analyze for asbestos fibers.

Healthy Home provides certified asbestos testing for homeowners, landlords, renters, and buyers across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)-accredited inspectors offer both limited and comprehensive inspections tailored to your project scope.

Why Asbestos Is Common in Older Homes

Asbestos was widely used in home construction materials throughout the 20th century for its durability, fire resistance, and insulation properties.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of heat-resistant fibers. Because of its strength, durability, and fire and water resistant properties, it was widely used in construction materials throughout the 20th century—especially in products intended to insulate, fireproof, or resist chemical damage.

Although asbestos use declined in the 1980s, many homes built before 2004 still contain materials that may test positive. These are known as Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) and include both friable (easily crumbled) and non-friable forms.

Common Sourses of Asbestos in Homes

Insulation & Attics

Before the 1980s, many homes were built using insulation materials containing asbestos—especially in attics, around boilers, and wrapped on HVAC ducting. These materials are considered Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM) and pose a risk if disturbed.

Textured Ceilings and Walls

Asbestos was widely used in popcorn ceilings, joint compound, and certain wall plasters. These surfaces can release dangerous fibers if they are sanded, drilled, or cut during renovation.

Floor Tiles and Mastic

Vinyl floor tiles (especially 9-inch tiles), adhesives, and black mastic used under flooring may contain asbestos. Even if tiles appear intact, the adhesive underneath can be hazardous.

Roofing and Siding

Cement shingles, roofing felt, and some siding products made before 1980 often contain asbestos. Deterioration or removal without proper handling can release airborne fibers.

Pipes and Furnace Components

Asbestos was used to wrap hot water pipes and as insulation around furnaces, water heaters, and boilers. Pipe insulation is among the most regulated asbestos materials due to its friability when aged or damaged.

Construction Adhesives

Asbestos was used in far more than just buildings—it showed up in everything from car brakes and ironing boards to hairdryers and holiday decorations. Its fire-resistant properties made it a go-to material in consumer products for much of the 20th century.

Did You Know?

Why Test for Asbestos?

Asbestos fibers are invisible to the naked eye and easily inhaled when materials are disturbed. Exposure is linked to chronic respiratory illness, asbestosis, and cancer.

Asbestos fibers are easily inhaled and carried into the lower regions of the lungs where they can cause fibrotic lung disease (asbestosis), a non-cancerous hardening of the lungs that changes the lining of the chest cavity (pleura). Asbestosis symptoms are similar to those of emphysema. Asbestosis can be fatal, but many people may live for years with debilitating symptoms. The onset of asbestosis can be 20 to 40 years after exposure.

Long-term inhalation of asbestos fibers also increases the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer caused by asbestos fibers entering the mesothelial lining between the lungs and stomach. A person who smokes or lives with a smoker in the house and is exposed to asbestos is 90 times more likely to get lung cancer.

Other health effects of asbestos exposure are respiratory infections and enlargement of the heart.

People are more likely to experience asbestos-related disorders if they are exposed to asbestos frequently, in high concentrations, or for long periods of time.

Asbestos Testing Requirements in Oregon & Washington

In both Oregon and Washington, state regulations require asbestos testing prior to any demolition or renovation of residential structures built before specific cut-off years—2004 in Oregon and 1980 in Washington.

This mandate applies to homeowners, landlords, and contractors, and is enforced by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

For self-directed renovation projects, testing isn’t legally required if no contractors are involved, but it’s still strongly recommended. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) without knowing they’re present can release harmful fibers into your living environment, creating serious health risks for you and your family.

Family in an older home where asbestos-containing materials may be present

When Should You Test for Asbestos?

Asbestos testing is recommended any time you plan to disturb older building materials—or when those materials show signs of age or damage. Even small projects can release harmful fibers if asbestos is present.

Remodeling or Demolishing a Home Built Before 2004

Oregon DEQ mandates asbestos surveys before any renovation or demolition of older properties. Testing early helps avoid costly surprises and keeps your project moving.

Buying or Selling Property

Real estate transactions often include asbestos inspection as part of due diligence or repair negotiations.

Responding to Fire, Water, or Storm Damage

Damaged materials may release asbestos. Testing protects restoration crews and ensures regulatory compliance.

Concern About Degraded Materials

Ceiling texture, vinyl flooring, pipe insulation, and duct wrap may contain asbestos. Building material may release asbestos fibers if damaged.

Asbestos Testing Process

Our process is guided by Oregon DEQ standards and national best practices. Here’s what to expect.

1. Discovery

We start with a brief conversation to understand your property and project goals—whether you’re planning renovations, preparing for a real estate transaction, or responding to deterioration. We’ll ask about the age of your home, known construction history, and areas of concern to determine the appropriate scope of inspection.

2. Visual Inspection

An AHERA-accredited inspector conducts a thorough walkthrough of your home, identifying suspect materials commonly associated with asbestos use. Based on the project type (limited or comprehensive), the inspector outlines a sampling plan.

3. Sampling & Laboratory Analysis

Our AHERA-accredited inspectors collect small bulk samples from a range of materials throughout the home or designated project area. Common sources include flooring, drywall, joint compound, ceiling texture, insulation, siding, and roofing products. Sampling is minimally invasive and performed using safe, targeted methods designed to preserve building integrity.

All samples are then sent to an accredited NVLAP lab and analyzed using Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM), the EPA-approved method for asbestos detection. Results will confirm the presence of asbestos and quantify the percentage by weight.

4. Report & Consultation

You’ll receive a detailed, plain-language report summarizing findings, locations of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), and guidance on next steps. The report also clarifies whether any materials exceed the 1% threshold that requires licensed abatement under Oregon DEQ regulations.

If asbestos is detected, we’ll help you determine whether abatement, encapsulation, or leaving the material undisturbed is the safest path forward. While Healthy Home does not perform asbestos abatement, we can refer you to licensed contractors and provide documentation for your records or permitting needs.

Why Choose Healthy Home

Fast Lab Results

Accredited laboratory analysis in 1-4 business days

Easy-to-Read Reports

Receive detailed reports with recommendations in just 4-5 business days

Trusted Local Team

Serving Portland, Bend, Medford, and beyond with deep knowledge of Oregon homes

Healthy Home team specializes in safe, efficient sample collection and delivers clear, actionable results so you can move forward with confidence on your renovation, demolition, or real estate project.

No Upsells

We only test. We do not perform abatement and have no financial interest in your next steps—our results are unbiased and independent.

Certified & ComplIant

Our inspectors are accredited under AHERA and fully licensed in Oregon and Washington. We follow all EPA and DEQ asbestos testing regulations.

Fast Turnaround & Transparent Pricing

Standard results are returned within 1-4 business days, with rush options available. Our pricing is straightforward with no hidden fees.

Local & Trusted

Based in Oregon, we’ve tested hundreds of homes throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington since 2008.

Pricing & Scheduling

Transparent pricing, fast scheduling, and no surprise fees, our local teams are ready to help across Portland, Bend, and beyond.

Pricing
Includes on-site inspection, accredited lab analysis (via PLM), and a written report with findings and next-step guidance. On smaller projects, samples are $25 each. For larger projects (e.g., whole-house surveys or many areas of a home), we will provide a flat quote (typically around $1,000).
^$350+ $25 per Sample

Scheduling
We can typically schedule your inspection within 2–3 business days, with flexibility for urgent projects.
2-3 days

Turnaround
Most reports delivered within 5-7 business days. Rush lab analysis services are avilable for an additional fee.
2-3 days

Frequently asked questions

Don’t see your question? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you find the answer.

Is asbestos testing legally required?
In Oregon: State of Oregon law states that if a contractor will disturb materials in a home built before Jan. 1, 2004, an asbestos survey by an accredited inspector is required before renovation or demolition. Owner-occupants doing their own renovation are exempt from the survey rule (but it’s still strongly recommended to test).

In Washington: State of Washington law requires a “good faith” asbestos inspection by an AHERA-certified inspector is required before remodel, repair, or demolition that could disturb suspect materials. Local clean-air agencies (e.g., PSCAA)
What happens if asbestos is found?
If work will impact the material—and especially if lab results are >1% asbestos—removal must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor following DEQ/OSHA rules. If materials are intact and will remain undisturbed, leaving them in place is often acceptable per EPA guidance.
Is the asbestos testing process safe?
Our AHERA-accredited inspectors take small, targeted bulk samples from suspect materials (e.g., flooring, joint compound, ceiling texture) using minimally invasive methods. If anything appears friable or deteriorating, we apply added controls to minimize fiber release.
Does Healthy Home perform asbestos abatement?
Healthy Home is a testing-only firm. We perform inspections, collect bulk samples, and provide lab-certified reports with clear next steps. If removal is required (e.g., materials test >1% asbestos), the work must be done by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor under DEQ/OSHA rules. We can refer reputable, licensed firms and, if needed, return for post-work verification/testing and documentation.
How long does it take to get the results?
Most asbestos reports are delivered within 1-4 business days. Rush analysis is available for time-sensitive projects.
What does asbestos testing cost?
Healthy Home charges a $350 base inspection fee plus $25 per sample. Additional travel charges may apply for longer distance appointments.

The number of samples required is based on homogeneous material areas (HMAs), meaning each distinct material (e.g., drywall + joint compound, popcorn ceiling, vinyl tile, black mastic) is its own group. In practice, that usually works out to ~4–8 samples for a small bath, ~6–10 for a kitchen, and ~20–40+ for whole-home pre-demo, depending on how many different materials are present.
Can I test for asbestos myself?
Homeowners can collect and submit samples to a lab, but there are important limits:
- In Oregon, DIY is not prohibited for owner-occupants, but if a contractor is involved—or you need documentation for permits/disposal—a survey by an accredited inspector is required.
- In Washington, state rules require a good-faith inspection by an AHERA inspector before work that could disturb suspect materials; some local agencies (e.g., PSCAA) outline narrow homeowner options for single-family remodel (not demolition).
Can you coordinate with my contractor or real-estate timeline?
Yes. We routinely align scopes with remodelers, buyers/sellers, and property managers to keep projects on schedule.
Will my project need permits or notifications?
If abatement is required (e.g., materials >1% and will be disturbed), your abatement contractor will handle required notifications and disposal documentation. We’ll provide the survey report they need.
Do older homes always have asbestos?
Not always, but many pre-1980 homes do. In Oregon, homes built before 2004 warrant testing before renovation because legacy materials may still be present.
What’s the difference between a limited and a comprehensive asbestos inspection?
A limited inspection targets only the areas/materials within your project scope. A comprehensive inspection includes a full survey of all suspect materials inside and outside the home.