What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre that was used for decades in the construction industry due to its heat resistance, strength and insulating properties. In Austria, asbestos was present in more than 3,000 building products until the 1990 ban — from roof sheets to tile adhesives.
The problem: when asbestos-containing materials are damaged, worked or removed, they release microscopically small fibres. These fibres are carcinogenic and can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis — often only 20 to 40 years after exposure.
Where is asbestos found in Austrian buildings?
In buildings constructed before 1990, asbestos can be found almost anywhere. The most common locations:
- Roof and facade: Fibre-cement sheets (Eternit) — the best-known asbestos product
- Tile adhesives and fillers: Particularly in bathrooms and kitchens from the 1960s–1980s
- Plasters and coatings: Sprayed asbestos as fire protection, asbestos-containing textured plasters
- Floor coverings: Vinyl-asbestos tiles, cushion vinyl with asbestos backing
- Pipe lagging: Heating and water pipes with asbestos insulation
- Night storage heaters: Older appliances with asbestos-containing insulation
- Fire doors and dampers: Asbestos-containing inserts
- Gaskets and ropes: On heating systems and stoves
Health risk and limit values
Asbestos is a confirmed human carcinogen (IARC Group 1). There is no safe threshold — every fibre exposure increases cancer risk. In Austria:
- TRGS 519 (Technical Rule) governs the handling of asbestos during renovation and demolition
- Bonded asbestos (e.g. intact fibre-cement sheets) may be left in place as long as no fibres are released
- Loosely bound asbestos (sprayed asbestos, lightweight panels) generally has to be removed immediately
- Renovation work on asbestos-containing materials may only be carried out by certified specialist firms
How we test for asbestos
Asbestos can only be reliably identified in the laboratory — a visual inspection is not sufficient. Our process:
1. Site inspection and sampling
We come in person and identify suspect materials based on building age, material type and installation context. Samples are taken professionally — without unnecessary fibre release.
2. Accredited laboratory analysis
The samples are sent to a laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. Analysis is carried out by polarisation microscopy or scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and identifies the asbestos type (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, etc.).
3. Report and recommendation
You receive a clear report with risk assessment and concrete action recommendations: leave in place, encapsulate, remediate or remove — with priorities and cost estimates.
Costs
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Sample from material (vinyl, insulation, foils …) | €69 |
| Sample from mineral matrix (cement, concrete, plaster) | €149 |
| Indoor air clearance — per measurement point, up to 72 h | €390 |
| Site inspection flat fee | €290 |
| Video initial consultation | free |
✻ In rare cases — where analyses require unusual laboratory preparation (e.g. heavily contaminated samples or complex sample processing) — we reserve the right to charge a surcharge of up to €30 per sample. We inform you in advance.
Not sure which matrix applies in your case? We clarify this in the free initial consultation.
Frequently asked questions about asbestos testing
Asbestos cannot be identified with the naked eye. Typical suspect materials are fibre-cement sheets, tile adhesives, fillers, plasters and pipe lagging in buildings built before 1990. Only laboratory analysis can reliably confirm or rule out asbestos.
An individual asbestos analysis costs from €69 per material sample (vinyl, insulation, foils). For mineral matrix (concrete, screed, plaster) the cost is €149 per sample. Indoor air clearance measurement costs €390 per measurement point. The site inspection flat fee is €290 (flat, regardless of scope). In rare cases — where analyses require unusual laboratory preparation — we reserve the right to charge a surcharge of up to €30 per material sample. We inform you in advance. In the free initial consultation we discuss how many samples make sense.
A clearance measurement documents the indoor air quality after an asbestos remediation. It proves that no more fibre contamination is present — as evidence for authorities, buyers or occupants. We charge €390 per measurement point and can perform it as either a single clearance measurement or continuous monitoring over up to 72 hours.
Laboratory analysis takes 3–5 working days. You receive the report with assessment and action recommendation within 3 working days of the laboratory result.
Yes, the manufacture and placing on the market of asbestos has been banned in Austria since 1990. Intact asbestos in existing buildings may remain in place as long as no fibres are released. However, an inspection is mandatory before renovation or demolition.
What does asbestos remediation cost?
Typical remediation costs (indicative figures)
- Asbestos stove (wood/coal stove)€500–€2,000
- Asbestos gasketsfrom €500
- Asbestos floor coverings€1,000–€10,000
- Asbestos roof (fibre cement)from €10,000
A measurement from €69 gives you clarity — before a suspicion becomes an expensive surprise.
After remediation we offer a clearance measurement: indoor air measurement to VDI 3492 with SEM analysis, to document that no asbestos fibres remain detectable in the indoor air. More on renovation monitoring →
Asbestos clearance measurement: indoor air release from €390
After an asbestos remediation you need proof that the air is safe again. This clearance measurement is mandatory in public buildings — for private renovations we strongly recommend it nonetheless. Our offer:
- €390 per measurement point — accredited laboratory analysis (fibre counting to VDI 3492)
- Clearance measurement (single proof shortly before re-occupation) or monitoring over up to 72 hours
- Documented report as legally valid evidence for authorities, buyers or tenants
- Integration into ongoing renovation support possible (scope situational — quote after initial consultation)
When clearance measurement? Always after asbestos remediation, before re-occupation after demolition or conversion work, or when you want certainty before purchasing a freshly renovated property.