Asbestos is still in millions of homes, 
even today.

  • By Kim Fields

If your home was built before 2000 in the UK or before 1980 in the US, there is a real chance asbestos is hiding somewhere inside it.
 

Most people think asbestos is “banned, so it’s gone.”

The truth is:
It was banned from being installed.
It was never removed.

Why This Matters: Asbestos Only Becomes Dangerous When Disturbed

Left alone, asbestos is stable. But the second you:

  • drill into a ceiling
  • sand a wall
  • remove old vinyl tiles
  • cut into a garage roof
  • renovate a kitchen or bathroom
  • rip up flooring
  • replace insulation or a boiler cupboard


…you can release tiny, invisible fibres into the air. Fibres you can’t see, can’t smell, and can’t feel. Fibres that can stay in your lungs for life.

 

the 3 Main types of asbestos:

1. Chrysotile

The most common type of asbestos found in homes. It was widely used in building materials right up until around 2000 in the UK / 1980 in the US.

2. Amosite

Commonly found in insulation boards, ceiling tiles, and partition walls. It was heavily used in homes and public buildings before 2000.

3. Crocidolite

The most dangerous form of asbestos due to its very fine fibres. Used in insulation and products in older buildings before regulations started.

What asbestos exposure can cause

Asbestos is the cause of the following diseases:

  • Mesothelioma (always fatal)
  • Asbestosis (progressive lung scarring)
  • Lung cancer
  • Pleural thickening / breathing difficulty


There is no safe level of exposure. Once fibres are released, you can breathe them in without knowing, and symptoms often appear 20–40 years later.This is why every major health agency — HSE (UK), EPA (US), OSHA (US), CDC — warns homeowners not to disturb unknown materials.


 

Where asbestos hides inside homes

(Most people are shocked when they see this list) Asbestos was used in over 3,500 building products. Here are the most common hidden hotspots in UK & US homes:
 

  • Ceilings & Walls
  • Artex / textured ceilings
  • Popcorn ceilings (US + some UK homes)
  • Decorative coatings
  • Plaster patching compounds
  • Partition walls / drywall joint compound
  • Floors
  • Vinyl tiles
  • Cushion flooring
  • Black bitumen adhesive (“black mastic”)
  • Kitchens & Bathrooms
  • Old backing boards
  • Under-sink panels
  • Flue pipes
  • Floor underlayment
  • Lofts, Basements & Boiler Rooms
  • Insulation board (AIB)
  • Cement board
  • Pipe insulation
  • Duct insulation
  • Garages & Exterior
  • Asbestos cement roof sheets
  • Soffits & fascia boards
  • Cement gutters & downpipes
  • Roofing felt


If these areas haven’t been replaced since the 60s, 70s, 80s, or 90s…you should test before touching anything.

 

The good news: Testing is now fast, simple and affordable

You don’t need:


❌ an expensive surveyor
❌ a full property inspection
❌ to wait weeks for an appointment

 

DIY asbestos testing gives you:

  • Fast results (24 hrs in many cases)
  • Simple, guided sampling
  • Full PPE for safe collection
  • Peace of mind before doing any work
  • Certified lab analysis


A small sample can tell you exactly what you’re dealing with — before you put yourself or your family at risk.

the DIY Kit

Order Test Kit

Fast + Affordable Results

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the test safe to use?

Yes. The kit includes full PPE (FFP3/N95 mask, gloves, wipes, and waste bags) to help you collect your sample safely.
You only take a very small piece of material, following simple step-by-step instructions.
 

If a material looks heavily damaged or crumbly, contact us before sampling.

How long do results take?

Once your sample reaches the lab, results are usually delivered within 24 hours.
We email your certified PDF report directly to you.

Is lab testing included in the price?

Yes. Everything is included:


- Sample kit
- PPE
- Prepaid return postage
- Full UKAS (UK) or NVLAP (US) accredited lab analysis
- Your results certificate
 

There are no hidden fees.

How accurate are the results?

Your sample is tested using ISO/IEC 17025–accredited methods (PLM microscopy), the same used by professional asbestos surveyors, local authorities, and environmental agencies.

You receive the exact same quality of analysis as a full survey — at a fraction of the cost.

What materials can I test?

Our kit is suitable for almost all bonded, solid materials, including:
 

- Artex / textured coatings
- Popcorn ceilings

- Vinyl floor tiles + black mastic adhesive

- Garage roof sheets (asbestos cement)

- Insulation board (AIB)

- Wall panels / partition board

- Roofing felt, soffits, fascia boards


You can test anything that is not loose, powdery, or crumbling.

What happens if the result is positive?

Don’t panic. A positive result simply means asbestos is present — not that your home is unsafe.
Your report will include:

- Type(s) of asbestos found

- Where it was detected

- Whether it’s high- or low-risk

- Clear, simple next-step guidance

 

You decide what to do next. We can also provide recommendations for licensed removal companies.
 

DIY-friendly: anyone can do it

Fast 24-hour results from accredited labs

Safe: full protective gear included

Affordable: a fraction of the cost of hiring a surveyor

Order Test Kit

Fast + Affordable Results