NIOSH 7400A- LOD: <7 f/mm2

Airborne Fiber Count (PCM) Method detailsNIOSH 7400(A) Primary Method used to determine the concentration of airborne fibers and often used in asbestos monitoring applications. NIOSH 7400 does not distinguish between asbestos and non-asbestos fibers.  TEM method (NIOSH 7402) is offered to be used in conjunction with NIOSH 7400 to uniquely Identify and qualify fibers for concentration and identification .

NIOSH 7400 8hr TWA- LOD: <7 f/mm2

Airborne Fiber Count (PCM) Method detailsTWA's (Time Weighted Average) are used for personnel sampling in compliance with OSHA limits for personnel exposures. Analysis is performed via NIOSH 7400 and the results for 3 or more samples (per individual) are combined into an 8 hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) result.

NIOSH 7400B- LOD: <7 f/mm2

Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) Method detailsA number of counting rules are available to quantify airborne concentrations of synthetic vitreous fibers (SVFs), including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Method 7400 A and B rules. NIOSH Method 7400 B fiber counts using samples collected as a part of a large assessment of end-user exposures to SVFs.

Rotometer Calibration- LOD: NA

Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) Method detailsThe laboratory can calibrate various rotameters used in environmental sampling applications.

EPA 40 CFR part 763- LOD: 0.0050 s/cc with 1200L-1800L air volume collected on 25 mm filter

AHERA (TEM) Method detailsThe TEM analytical method, described in the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) document, is required by the EPA for area clearance in schools after abatement activities. This method is performed at 16,000-20,000x magnification, and detects and reports asbestos structures as small as 0.5 µm in length and 0.02 µm in diameter and >5:1 aspect ratio (L:W), well beyond the resolution of optical microscopy. The included screening test is used to compare results from samples collected inside containment to historical blank filter results; this test passes if the average of the inside samples is <70 s/mm2 of filter area. The full AHERA TEM method compares inside and outside sample results using the statistical z-test.

EPA Contract 68-02-3266- LOD: Variable based on total Air Volume

Yamate Level I and II (TEM) Method detailsAuthored by Yamate, Satish and Gibbons in 1984, this TEM method is divided into increasingly stringent levels of analysis depending on the confidence needed for the identification of any detected structures as asbestos. Level I uses fiber morphology and qualitative crystal structure by SAED; Level II adds semi-quantitative elemental composition by EDS; and Level III used morphology, zone-axis crystal structure by SAED and quantitative EDS (Level III is rarely requested due to high cost). Samples are analyzed at 16,000-20,000x magnification, and fibers >0.3 um long and >0.02 um wide having aspect ratios >3:1 are counted. Sampled air volumes and limits of detection are not specified, allowing some flexibility for the needs of the user.

NIOSH 7402- LOD: Variable based on total Air Volume

PCM-Equivalent (TEM) Method detailsThe NIOSH 7402 TEM method was developed to be used in conjunction with NIOSH 7400, Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM); see above. PCM testing cannot distinguish between asbestos and non-asbestos fibers. Elevated PCM results often occur even when no asbestos is present . The NIOSH 7402 method counts ALL PCM-equivalent fibers (asbestos and non-asbestos, >5 um long, >0.25 um diameter, >5:1 aspect ratio) and calculates the ratio of asbestos fibers to total fibers. This ratio is then applied to original PCM results to determime PCM asbestos fibers per cc of sampled air, which may then be compared to the OSHA PEL or other action criteria.

ISO 10312- LOD: Variable based on total Air Volume

ISO Direct Preparation (TEM) Method detailsThis international standard is applicable to the determination of airborne asbestos concentrations by direct transfer method in a wide range of ambient air situations including the interior atmospheres of buildings, and for detailed evaluation of any atmosphere in which asbestos structures are likely to be present. The ISO 10312 method documents all asbestos structures using parameters similar to AHERA (above), but it also includes provisions to report results in a variety of additional categories, such as >5 um, PCM-equivalent, etc.

ISO 13794- LOD: Variable based on total Air Volume

ISO Indirect Preparation (TEM) Method detailsThis international standard is applicable to the determination of airborne asbestos by indirect transfer method in a wide range of ambient air situations. This includes airborne asbestos quantification in the interior atmospheres of buildings, or for detailed evaluation of any atmosphere in which asbestos structures are likely to be present. ISO 13794 counting parameters are similar to those in ISO 10312 (above).

CARB Modified AHERA- LOD: 0.001 s/cc, or as specified

Natural Occurances of Asbestos Site Monitoring (TEM) Method detailsAnalysis of all air samples shall follow the TEM analytical method specified by AHERA (see above) for asbestos with the following exceptions: The analytical sensitivity shall be 0.001 structures per cubic centimeter (0.001 s/cc); and all asbestos structures with an aspect ratio greater than three to one (3 to1) shall be counted irrespective of length. The analytical results are reported as TEM asbestos s/cc. This method is commonly used for perimeter monitoring where natural occurrences of asbestos (NOA) are being disturbed by construction activities.

EPA-600/R-93-116- LOD: Visual Area Estimation <1%

Asbestos in Building Materials Method detailsThis Polarized Light Microscopy method is the “industry standard” for the determination of asbestos concentration in almost any building material. In addition to analysis by PLM with Visual Estimation. other techniques such as Point Counting, Gravimetric Reduction, and TEM, are contained in this method and described below.

NESHAP- LOD: < 1%

400 Point Count (PLM) Method detailsAccuracy and precision are improved with Point Counting, increasing the number of points analyzed increases accuracy and precision. The 400 point count complies with NESHAP regulations which require that point counting be performed for better precision and accuracy on samples with asbestos concentrations less than 10%.

EPA-600/R-93-116- LOD: <0.25% (Dependent on matrix reduction)

400 Point Count/with Matrix Reduction (PLM) Method detailsGravimetric Reduction converts Non-friable Organically Bound (NOB) samples to friable samples that can be Point Counted. Gravimetric Reduction allows a point count analysis of samples like floor tiles, mastics and roof cores. A 400 Point Count after Gravimetric Reduction gives a Limit of Detection of < 0.25 percent.

EPA-600/R-93-116- LOD: 0.1% (Dependent on matrix reduction)

1,000 Point Count/with Matrix Reduction (PLM) Method detailsThe 1,000 Point Count has all the same features as the 400 Point Count but with increased accuracy and precision. The 1,000 point count is typically utilized in California, where the permissible limit for determining if a material is Asbestos Containing is 0.1% asbestos. SGS Forensic Laboratories utilizes the gravimetric reduction technique for all 1000 point count analysis.

Chatfield Protocol- LOD: Target: <0.1% (Not always achievable; dependent on matrix reduction)

TEM semi-quantitative Method detailsSample preparation includes gravimetric reduction, with ashing to remove organic components and acid-washing to remove acid-soluble constituents. The final residue is suspended in water and a subsample is drop-mounted on a TEM grid. TEM analysis is performed at 1000x-20,000x magnifications, and asbestos content is determined based on visual estimate of fibers observed during the analysis. LOD is 1% of the residue weight percent after gravimetry.

Chatfield Protocol- LOD: 0.005%

TEM semi-quantitative Method detailsThe analysis includes a detailed and very labor-intensive testing of bulk building materials for its organic components, inorganic acid-soluble and insoluble components. Residue from gravimetric reduction process is analyzed on the transmission electron microscope at magnifications ranging from 1000 to 20,000X. Percent asbestos in sample is based on visual estimate of fibers observed during the analysis.

EPA 600/R-93/116- LOD: 0.005 weight% (variable)

TEM Quantitative Method detailsThe TEM section of this protocol is designed to provide a method for the detection of thin fibers below the resolution limit of optical microscopy. The bulk sample is gravimetrically ashed to remove organic components and acid-washed to remove acid-soluble constituents. the final residue is suspended in water and suspension aliquots are filtered and processed to TEM grids following the AHERA procedure. During TEM analysis, any asbestos structures are measured and characterized, and the mass of each structure is determined via density. The total mass detected is back-calculated through the preparation parameters, giving asbestos mass detected in the starting weight, or weight percent. The detection limit target is 0.005 weight percent, but can vary to meet client requirements.

TEM Drop Mount- LOD: Absence/presence

Qualitative Method detailsThis method quickly checks for asbestos content in bulk samples. Following optional gravimetric preparation, a subsample of a bulk material is ground in a mortar and pestle, sonicated in particle-free de-ionized water, drop-mounted on a carbon coated grid, and analyzed by TEM for the presence of asbestos. Yamate counting rules apply; see above.

EPA-600/R-04/004- LOD: <1.0%

Cincinnati Method, vermiculite (PLM) Method detailsThis method provides a procedure for the rapid characterization of fibrous amphibole constituents of vermiculite attic insulation. Vermiculite from Zonolite Mountain near Libby, MT is likely to contain fibrous amphiboles and was widely used as attic insulation or sound dampening material throughout the continental U.S. TEM confirmation of samples determined to be negative by PLM is recommended. The sample is dried, weighed, placed in a beaker and suspended in water. After stirring, the sample is allowed to separate into 'sinks', 'floats' and 'suspended' fractions. The sinks and floats fractions are dried, weighed and analyzed by PLM. If no amphibole fibers are detected, further analysis of the suspended fraction by TEM is recommended.

EPA-600/R-04/004- LOD: 0.005%

Cincinnati Method, vermiculite (TEM) Method detailsThis method provides a procedure for the characterization and quantitation of fibrous amphibious in vermiculite attic insulation. It is especially useful to confirm negative PLM results from this material. If the sinks and floats fractions prepared for PLM analysis (aove) are negative for amphiboles, aliquots of the suspended fraction are filtered and processed to grids using the method's procedure. The prepared grids are analyzed by TEM at 20,000x magnification; any detected fibers are characterized by morphology, crystal structure and/or elemental composition. Results reported included amphibole type and weight percent in the original sample. Asbestos and non-asbestos fibers (e.g., Libby amphiboles) may be included, and each reported fiber type may be reported separately or in total.

CARB 435- LOD: 0.25%

400 Point Count Naturally Occurring Asbestos (PLM) Method detailsThis method involves a fine milling of the sample (typically aggregate) to create a completely homogenous mixture. This maximizes the possibility of detection and increases the accuracy of quantification. The analysis can be performed by Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) or Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) utilizing the widely recognized EPA/600/R-93/116 method. The PLM method uses a 400 Point Count (0.25%) technique.

CARB 435 - LOD: 0.10%

1000 Point Count Naturally Occurring Asbestos (PLM) Method detailsThis method involves a fine milling of the sample (typically aggregate) to create a completely homogenous mixture. This maximizes the possibility of detection and increases the accuracy of quantification. The analysis can be performed by Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) or Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) utilizing the widely recognized EPA/600/R-93/116 method. The PLM method uses a 1,000 Point Count (0.1%) technique.

CARB 435 - LOD: 0.001%

Soil and Rock-Naturally Occurring Asbestos (TEM) Method detailsThis TEM method analyzes finely milled samples of aggregate and soil, including samples previously reduced for PLM analysis. Received samples are initially dried, then processed in a jaw crusher and/or plate grinder as needed to create a completely homogenous mixture averaging <250 um in size, or less. This size reduction process maximizes the possibility of fiber detection and increases the accuracy of quantification. The analysis is used to confirm 'None Detected PLM results, with sensitivities as low as 0.001% by weight, or less. However, anomolous results may occur, since, while the TEM method can detect much smaller fibers, it also analyzes a much smaller amount of sample than PLM.

ASTM D5755-03- LOD: 10 S/cm2

Microvac, Asbestos s/Area (TEM) Method detailsThis method utilizes cassettes as a micro-vacuum sampling device (closed-face with sampling nozzle attached to inlet end) to gather dust from a carefully measured surface area, typically 100 cm2. This method can collect dust from all surfaces but is preferred for soft goods, such as upholstered furniture, draperies, clothing, etc. The collected material is rinsed from the cassette and suspended in water, and aliquots are refiltered and prepared to TEM grids in the normal fashion. The prepared grids are then analyzed by TEM to count and identify asbestos structures. The result is an estimate of the surface concentration, reported in asbestos structures per square centimeter. NOTE: There are no accepted “pass/fail” criteria for this method.

ASTM D5756 (no longer supported or updated by ASTM)- LOD: 0.24 pg/cm2 target (variable)

Microvac, Asbestos Mass per Area (TEM) Method detailsSample collection and preparation are the same as ASTM D5755 method (see above), but analysis not only counts asbestos structures, but carefully measures each structure counted. The recorded dimensions are converted to structure mass by a density conveersion, and the sum of these masses is used to calculate asbestos mass detected in the area sampled. This method provides results in mass of asbestos per unit area of sample surface, s/mm2. NOTE: There are no accepted “pass/fail” criteria for this method, and ASTM has withdrawn this method for failure to update within specified time frame.

ASTM D6480- LOD: 1000 s/cm2 target (variable)

Surface Wipe, Asbestos s/Area (TEM) Method detailsThis method uses wipe media to collect dust, usually from hard surfaces, to identify and quantify asbestos, and determine the concentration of asbestos structures in s/cm2 units. A measured area is wiped, and the wipe is suspended and sonicated, and subsamples are filtered and prepared to grids. This method can also be conducted on a qualitative (presence/ND) basis if the area sampled is unknown.

EPA 600/J-93/167- LOD: 5000 s/cm2 target (variable)

Carpet Fiber, Asbestos s/Area (TEM) Method detailsA section of carpet (typically 10 by 10 cm) is sonicated in particle free water to release any asbestos fibers. Aliquots of the resulting suspension are filtered, processed to grids and analyzed by TEM. Results are reported in asbestos s/cm2 of carpet tested. This destructive method has a much greater sensitivity for asbestos bound up in carpet fibers than the sampling protocol outlined in the ASTM D5755 “Microvac” method.

EPA 600/R-94/134- LOD: 0.2 MFL

Drinking Water (TEM) Method detailsEPA 100.1 and its successor, EPA 100.2 are TEM methods for the determination of the presence and quantitation of asbestos structures in drinking water samples. EPA 100.1/100.2 allows for the quantitation of asbestos structures > 10 µm in length. Results are expressed in millions of fibers > 10 µm per liter (MFL). An analytical sensitivity of at least 0.2 MFL is required. Asbestos fibers < 10 µm in length are not included in the final calculation, but can be documented upon request. This method determines the numerical concentration of asbestos fibers, the length and width of each fiber, and the estimated mass concentration of asbestos in drinking water. Fiber size and aspect ratio distributions are also determined. The method permits, if required, identification of all mineral fibers found in water. In particular, chrysotile can be distinguished from the amphiboles, and fibers of specific amphiboles can be identified.

EPA 100.1 (EPA 600/R-94/134)- LOD: 0.2MFL

Waste Water(TEM) Method detailsEPA 100.1 is a TEM method for determining the concentration of asbestos fibers in non-drinking water samples; drinking water samples are analyzed using EPA 100.2. EPA 100.1 counts asbestos structures >0.5 µm in length having aspect ratios of 3:1 or greater. Results are expressed in millions of fibers per liter (MFL). While not being specified by this method, the analytical sensitivity (AS) is based on 1 asbestos fiber counted and is variable depending on the sample volume filtered and the filter area analyzed. Excessive sediment in a water sample reduces the amount of water that can be filtered to achieve a “readable” grid, so lesser volumes must be filter, raising the AS. An elevated AS may be reduced by analyzing more filter area, but often at additional cost.

EPA 100.2- LOD: 0.2MFL

Drinking Water (TEM) Method detailsThe EPA 100.2 TEM method was developed to satisfy requirements of the EPA Clean Water Act. This method is very similar to the EPA 100.1 method, except that it only counts asbestos fibers >10 um long. The analytical sensitivity (AS) and action levels are specified as <0.2 MFL, and 7 MFL, respectively. Drinking water samples have a hold time of <48hrs, from sampling time to filtration time in the lab, unless ozone treatment is available. Please check with the TEM lab before shipping to ensure that this hold time can be met.