Understanding asbestos in soil and granular materials
Do you need to characterize soil, fill or granular material that may contain asbestos? Lab’Eau-Air-Sol analyses materials from construction, excavation, earthworks and land rehabilitation projects.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals with a fibrous structure. These minerals can occur naturally in certain geological formations or enter materials through human activities.
How asbestos can enter soil and aggregates
Its presence may be associated with natural geology or with asbestos-containing materials used in fill and landscaping. Traces may occur in materials from regions such as Côte-Nord and Abitibi-Témiscamingue. However, geographic origin alone cannot determine whether a material contains asbestos.
What the analysis involves
A soil or granular material sample is examined in the laboratory to look for asbestos. The results document the composition of the submitted material and provide information for its characterization.
Materials that can be analysed
- Soil and sand.
- Gravel and natural or recycled aggregates.
- Fill and road materials.
- Excavation and earthworks materials.
- Mine tailings.
Soils and granular materials vary in composition, particle size and origin. Identifying the material and the context of the project helps determine the appropriate approach.
When to request this analysis
- Before excavation, earthworks or construction.
- During soil or fill characterization.
- When granular material may contain asbestos.
- For land rehabilitation or development projects.
- To obtain information about materials that will be handled, moved or reused.
The possible presence of asbestos may affect decisions about handling, management and the destination of materials. Laboratory analysis provides data on the submitted sample to support the professionals responsible for the project.
Preparing your sample
Consult our sampling methods and instructions to prepare your samples correctly. Complete the appropriate analysis request form and include it with your samples.