Question 1

What does an asbestos analysis cost?

Accepted Answer

An asbestos analysis costs €39.90 + VAT per sample. That covers a full laboratory analysis with a SEM electron microscope, identification of every type of asbestos and a result report by email.

Question 2

How do I order an asbestos analysis?

Accepted Answer

Order an asbestos analysis from Onelab's online store at onelab.fi/asbestinayte. Fill in the order form, pay online, and we will email you instructions for sending the sample.

Question 3

Is there a discount for ordering more samples?

Accepted Answer

The price for individual samples is always €39.90 + VAT. The same price applies to all orders up to one hundred samples. For projects of more than 100 samples the price is negotiable - contact us and request a quote.

Question 4

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Payment is made in the online store when ordering. We accept bank payments, card payments (Visa, Mastercard) and MobilePay payment. We also offer invoicing for business customers.

Question 5

Can a company be invoiced for the analyses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Business customers are invoiced with 14 days' payment terms. Online payment at the time of ordering is also possible. The business ID and invoicing address are given on the order form.

Question 6

How do I take an asbestos sample correctly?

Accepted Answer

Remove a piece about the size of a matchbox (2-3 cm) from the material, working carefully to avoid dust. Pack the sample in a Minigrip bag and mark the material and location of the sample on it.

Question 7

Can I take an asbestos sample myself or do I need a professional?

Accepted Answer

For small home renovations you can safely take the sample yourself. Wear protective gloves; an FFP3 respirator is recommended but not mandatory. For extensive demolition or repair work, the asbestos survey is always carried out by a qualified professional.

Question 8

How big does the sample need to be?

Accepted Answer

A sufficient sample size is about 2-3 cm, i.e. a piece the size of a matchbox. This is sufficient for JEOL SEM-EDS analysis. A very small crumb or mere dust may not be enough for a reliable analysis.

Question 9

How do I send the sample to the laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Pack the sample in a sealed plastic bag (Minigrip), mark the material and location on the bag, and send it as a regular letter or small parcel by post. You will receive more detailed instructions with the order confirmation.

Question 10

Can several samples be sent in the same package?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can send several samples in the same envelope. Pack each sample in its own Minigrip bag and clearly mark where each sample was taken.

Question 11

Can asbestos be tested from a water sample?

Accepted Answer

Identifying asbestos from water is rare, as asbestos fibres are typically bound to building materials. We mainly analyse material samples (mortar, tile adhesive, filler, insulation, roofing felt). If you suspect asbestos in drinking water, get in touch - if necessary we will direct you to a specialised water laboratory.

Question 12

How quickly will I get the results?

Accepted Answer

At the standard service level the results are ready the day the sample arrives at our laboratory. For urgent cases we offer an express service.

Question 13

How is the result report delivered?

Accepted Answer

We email the result report to you as a PDF. It contains the analysis result, the asbestos types identified, the dustiness class and an interpretation of the results.

Question 14

What does the result report contain?

Accepted Answer

The report states whether the sample contains asbestos and, if it does, which type and the material's dustiness (risk) class 0–5. It also names the analysis instrument (JEOL SEM-EDS) and the standard (ISO 22262-1), and includes an interpretation of the results.

Question 15

Which method is used for the analysis?

Accepted Answer

We use a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with real-time elemental analysis (LIVE-EDS), to the ISO 22262-1 standard. It is recognised internationally as the most reliable way to identify asbestos.

Question 16

What is the difference between PLM and a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope?

Accepted Answer

PLM (a polarised light microscope) identifies asbestos on the basis of the visual form alone and works for fibres ≥0.25 µm. A JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope combines electron optics and elemental analysis: fibres ≥0.05 µm are identified on the basis of their chemical composition. JEOL SEM-EDS also finds thin and mixed fibres. Under EU Directive 2023/2668, an electron microscope is mandatory for counting fibres in air samples from 21 December 2026. Onelab already uses a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope in all analyses.

Question 17

Which types of asbestos do you identify?

Accepted Answer

We identify all six regulated types of asbestos: chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown), crocidolite (blue), anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite. The JEOL SEM-EDS elemental analysis confirms the type even in mixtures and in samples that are in poor condition.

Question 18

Is taking an asbestos sample dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Taking a small sample is safe if you follow the instructions. Wear protective gloves and, if you wish, an FFP3 respirator, and avoid spreading dust. A single, brief exposure carries only a minor health risk.

Question 19

When does the law require an asbestos survey?

Accepted Answer

Under Government Decree 798/2015, an asbestos survey must be carried out before demolition or repair work in any building constructed or refurbished before 1994. The survey is done by a qualified asbestos surveyor.

Question 20

Can I remove asbestos-containing material myself?

Accepted Answer

No. Asbestos removal work must always be carried out by an authorised asbestos removal company. It requires specialist skills, protective equipment and proper waste handling. You can, however, take small samples yourself for a home renovation.

Question 21

What do I do if the analysis result is positive?

Accepted Answer

If the sample contains asbestos, you must not remove the material yourself. Contact an authorised asbestos removal company. The result report also states that asbestos-containing material is treated as such and that its removal requires an authorised asbestos removal company.

Question 22

Who can carry out an official asbestos survey?

Accepted Answer

A statutory asbestos survey is carried out by an experienced AHA expert (asbestos and harmful substances expert) or a building health expert (RTA) holding a valid qualification granted by Eurofins Expert Services Oy. Onelab analyses the samples - for the survey work itself you can choose, for example, the experienced AHA surveyors of our partner Asbestipro.

Question 23

How soon does asbestos exposure cause symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Asbestos-related diseases (asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer) typically develop 10–40 years after exposure. Short-term, protected exposure - such as taking a single sample according to the instructions - carries practically no risk of illness. Long-term, repeated exposure without protection is extremely harmful to health, which is why asbestos removal work always requires an authorised company and full protective equipment.

Frequently asked questions

Order and prices

Sampling and shipping

Results and reporting

Safety and legislation

Didn't find the answer?