Asbestos Survey vs. Asbestos Testing: What's the Difference?

Champion Environmental
Aug 29
3 min read

Updated: Sep 15

Asbestos testing is just one part of a broader, legally required process called asbestos survey. — Asbestos testing is just one part of a broader, legally required process called *asbestos survey.*

When people search for asbestos testing, they’re usually looking for help confirming whether a material contains asbestos. But here's the truth: asbestos testing is just one part of a broader, legally required process called an asbestos survey.

At Champion Environmental, we provide licensed asbestos surveys that include professional asbestos testing. So while others may talk about testing in isolation, our services deliver the full picture—ensuring compliance, safety, and peace of mind.

What is Asbestos Testing?

“Asbestos testing” typically refers to the collection and laboratory analysis of building materials to determine if they contain asbestos. This process includes:

Careful sampling of suspect materials (like insulation, tile, roofing, or drywall compounds)
Analysis by an accredited laboratory to detect asbestos fibers
Reporting of confirmed asbestos-containing materials (ACM)

However, asbestos testing alone doesn’t meet state and federal compliance requirements when you're renovating or demolishing a building. That’s where asbestos surveys come in.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive assessment of a building's materials to identify the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). This survey is typically conducted by a licensed asbestos consultant or asbestos inspector.

The primary goal of an asbestos survey is to:

Identify ACMs: Locate and identify materials that contain asbestos, such as insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and roofing materials.
Assess condition and risk: Evaluate the condition and potential risk of ACMs to determine if they pose a health hazard to building occupants.
Develop a management plan: Provide recommendations for managing or removing ACMs to minimize exposure and ensure compliance with regulations.

A proper asbestos survey is required before building renovation or demolition. Local municipalities require building owners to conduct an asbestos survey to identify potential hazardous materials. Asbestos surveys are also very helpful for pre-purchase inspections. Investors may request an asbestos survey as part of a comprehensive property assessment.

What does a typical asbestos survey involve?

Visual inspection: A thorough visual examination of the building's materials, including ceilings, walls, floors, and roofs.
Sampling: Collection of samples from suspected ACMs for laboratory analysis.
Laboratory analysis: Analysis of samples to confirm the presence and type of asbestos.
Reporting: A detailed report outlining findings, recommendations, and a management plan.

It's essential to hire a qualified and licensed asbestos professional to conduct the survey, as improper handling or removal of ACMs can pose serious health risks.

In Texas, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulate asbestos-related activities, including surveys, management, and removal. Under laws like the Texas Asbestos Health Protection Rules (TAHPR) and NESHAP. A survey must be performed by a licensed asbestos inspector, and it includes asbestos testing as part of the larger scope.

If you're concerned about asbestos in a building or property in Texas, consider consulting with a licensed asbestos professional to schedule a survey and ensure compliance with state regulations.

Why It Matters

Using the term asbestos testing may get you in the search results—but hiring a company for asbestos testing alone could leave you out of compliance and unprotected. At Champion Environmental, we do more than just test:

We survey
We document
We guide you through every next step

Whether you're a property owner, developer, or contractor, our job is to make sure you meet regulatory obligations and avoid liability—while protecting the health of your team and the public.