Which Asbestos Test Should You Choose: Scope 1, 2 or 3?

The appropriate asbestos test depends on the nature of the material being examined and the possible origin of the asbestos.

A distinction is made between:

• Intentionally added asbestos, incorporated into manufactured materials and products;
• Naturally occurring asbestos, which may be found in raw materials such as rocks, soils and aggregates, or in the mineral constituents of certain processed materials.

The testing categories described here relate to the French regulatory framework established by the Order of 1 October 2019, as amended by the Order of 3 June 2025. The terms “Scope 1”, “Scope 2” and “Scope 3” are used here in that French context.

Comparison of asbestos testing scopes

Scope 1 asbestos testing

Scope 1 concerns the detection of intentionally added asbestos in manufactured materials and products, particularly building materials into which asbestos was incorporated during manufacture.

• Building materials
• Industrial products
• Materials that may contain asbestos incorporated during manufacture

Learn more about Scope 1 testing

Scope 2 asbestos testing

Scope 2 concerns the detection of naturally occurring asbestos in raw materials of natural origin.

• Rocks
• Soils
• Aggregates
• Geological materials

Learn more about Scope 2 testing

Scope 3 asbestos testing

Scope 3 concerns the detection of naturally occurring asbestos in the mineral constituents of manufactured materials and products.

Depending on their composition, these may include:

• Road asphalt
• Concrete
• Road construction materials
• Rubble and demolition waste

Learn more about Scope 3 testing

Special considerations for rocks, aggregates, soils and rubble

Some samples, including rubble, asphalt and concrete, may contain both manufactured components and natural mineral constituents.

The appropriate testing scope depends on both the material and the type of asbestos being investigated:

• Raw materials: Scope 2 addresses naturally occurring asbestos.
• Manufactured materials: Scope 1 addresses intentionally added asbestos.
• Natural mineral constituents within manufactured materials: Scope 3 addresses naturally occurring asbestos.

A manufactured material containing mineral constituents should therefore not automatically be assigned to a single scope based on its name alone. The laboratory should assess the actual composition of the sample and the purpose of the investigation.

How do you choose the appropriate test?

• Investigating intentionally added asbestos in a manufactured material: Scope 1.
• Investigating naturally occurring asbestos in a raw natural material: Scope 2.
• Investigating naturally occurring asbestos in a manufactured material’s mineral constituents: Scope 3.

If you are unsure, ask the laboratory to confirm the appropriate testing scope before sending your sample.