Scope 3 Asbestos Testing: Detecting Naturally Occurring Asbestos in Manufactured Materials

Scope 3 asbestos testing concerns the detection and identification of naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) in manufactured materials and products.

It applies to processed materials containing mineral constituents that may contain asbestos of natural origin.

What does Scope 3 cover?

Within the French regulatory framework described here, Scope 3 concerns manufactured materials and products in which naturally occurring asbestos may be present in certain mineral constituents, in accordance with the French Order of 1 October 2019, as amended by the Order of 3 June 2025.

Unlike Scope 1, which addresses intentionally added asbestos, Scope 3 focuses on identifying asbestos of natural origin within processed matrices.

Materials covered by Scope 3 asbestos testing

Depending on their composition, materials may include:

• Asphalt and bituminous materials
• Concrete and mortar
• Road construction materials
• Rubble and demolition waste
• Manufactured materials containing aggregates or mineral constituents

These materials may contain mineral constituents derived from natural materials that could contain naturally occurring asbestos.

Intentionally added asbestos versus naturally occurring asbestos

• Intentionally added asbestos: asbestos incorporated into manufactured materials during production.
• Naturally occurring asbestos: asbestos present in geological materials and certain mineral constituents.

Scope 3 concerns the detection of naturally occurring asbestos in manufactured materials.

What is the difference between Scopes 1, 2 and 3?

Scope 1 asbestos testing

• Detection of intentionally added asbestos
• Manufactured materials and products

Scope 2 asbestos testing

• Detection of naturally occurring asbestos
• Raw materials, including rocks, soils and aggregates

Scope 3 asbestos testing

• Detection of naturally occurring asbestos
• Manufactured materials and products
• Examples include certain asphalt mixtures, concretes and demolition materials

See also: Scope 1 asbestos testing | Scope 2 asbestos testing.

When should Scope 3 asbestos testing be requested?

When investigating naturally occurring asbestos in:

• Road asphalt
• Concrete or materials containing aggregates
• Rubble or demolition waste
• Complex manufactured materials containing mineral constituents
• Materials from civil engineering projects requiring regulatory assessment

How does the testing process work?

1. Sample collection or receipt at the laboratory.
2. Identification of the different material constituents.
3. Specific sample preparation in the laboratory.
4. Analysis appropriate to the mineral constituents.
5. Interpretation of results and preparation of a detailed report.

Guidance: for mixed materials such as rubble, the analysis must be tailored to the nature of the different constituents present.

Why choose our laboratory?

• Expertise in complex manufactured materials
• Experience with matrices containing mineral constituents
• Reliable, usable analytical results
• Technical support

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For help selecting the appropriate analysis, read our complete guide.