Article: There are several ways to find an asbestos testing laboratory to test your sample:  The U.S. Department of Commerce has established a voluntary accreditation program for asbestos testing labs, and provides a Directory listing of the labs who have become accredited. Labs are listed by state and listings include links to the labs’ websites. Check out some well known international labs, such as the International Asbestos Testing Laboratory or EMSL Analytical, Inc.. Many labs offer testing for non-local residents, through Federal Express (“FedEx”), United Parcel Service (“UPS”), or United States Postal Service (“USPS”). Just run a search at your favorite search engine for “asbestos testing”. Check the yellow pages for "Laboratories — Analytical." Asbestos testing is cheap as lab tests go. You can typically get three samples tested for under $100 USD. Most companies have a submission form for you to complete and mail or bring in with your sample. Print and complete the form and send with your sample and payment to the address listed for sample submission. If it turns out the plaster does contain asbestos, and it is not in good condition, hire an asbestos contractor to handle it. You can either have the plaster removed completely, or seal it underneath a protective coating that traps the asbestos fibers.  Make sure the contractor is government accredited. Your local or state health board may be able to provide a list of accredited organizations. Trying this yourself is not recommended. If you're set on the idea, make sure to comply with legal requirements in your area. After the job is done, you can hire an asbestos inspector or air testing contractor to confirm the asbestos was successfully handled without releasing asbestos into the air.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Locate an asbestos testing lab near you. Get quotes from multiple labs. Follow the instructions on the lab’s website for sample submission. Decide what to do next. Confirm the area is safe.