International Asbestos Testing Laboratories (iATL) services

Airborne concentrations of asbestos are determined by PCM and TEM. Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) is widely used to measure fiber concentrations of air samples. This is routinely done at asbestos abatement sites and can be applied for environmental monitoring, personnel monitoring, and clearance testing for minor abatement projects. The PCM technique has the advantage of fast turnaround time and low cost. This technique, however, does have significant limitations. This light microscope technique operates at magnifications of only 400X and will not resolve fibers below 0.25 microns (um) in diameter. Furthermore, PCM can not distinguish asbestos fibers from other fibers (ex: gypsum, mineral wool, fiberglass, cellulose etc.).

The analysis of Bulk Building Materials for asbestos content is conducted by PLM, XRD, SEM and TEM. There are thousands of materials used in construction that contain asbestos. These materials include, but are not limited to pipe and boiler insulation, acoustical coatings, sprayed-on fire proofing, plasters, ceiling tiles, and floor tiles.

The analysis of Settled Dust and other Non-Building Materials for asbestos content continues to be a growing and controversial subject in the environmental industry. Whether to establish baseline levels, survey historical buildup, or to diagnose episodic releases, the utility of surface dust analysis has proven efficacy for the environmental professional.

The analysis of Soil and Sediment for asbestos content continues to be a valuable tool for environmental investigations (e.g. possible illegal dumping of asbestos building materials). In all, the sampling and analysis procedures developed by EPA Region I, CARB 435 and others have proven efficacy and utility for the environmental professional.

The analysis of Water and Other Aqueous samples for asbestos content continues to mature. This growth is evidenced by recent method developments by EPA. Investigations of asbestos in drinking water are conducted when water supply pipes are disturbed or replaced. Municipal utilities serving certain populations are required to test this analyte. Often effluent or waste streams are tested to survey industrial contamination.