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Low levels of asbestos are in the air we breathe and potentially in some of the water we drink, including water from natural sources. Most respirable asbestos fibers are invisible to the unaided human eye because their size are about 3.0-20.0 µm in length and can be as thin as 0.01 µm. Mesothelioma, asbestosis and cancer are all health risks that have been associated with long term exposure to asbestiform minerals.
Actinolite Fibers, SEM 1800x
Air analyses performed by Lab/Cor include, but are not limited to the following:
- AHERA
- EPA II; Yamate Level 2
- Modified EPA II, (AHERA-like)
- NIOSH 7402: TEM
- OSHA Hybrid: Hybrid PCM/TEM
- NIOSH 7400: PCM
Actinolite WinEDS Spectra
EPA methods 100.2/ 100.1 were proposed in November 1985 as a nationwide standard for asbestos in drinking water. As water travels through asbestos-cement pipes, corrosion can free fibers from the walls of the pipes, which are then carried by the water to your tap. When water municipalities detect asbestos in the water, they can alter the water chemistry accordingly to reduce corrosiveness.
The EPA requires regular testing for the presence of asbestos fibers in tap water and has set a MCL (maximum contaminant level) of 7 million fibers longer than 10 microns for asbestos in drinking water. This trigger level of 7MFL is to be reported to the state if a water system exceeded that level. At which point the system would begin monitoring for asbestos on a basis of once every 3 months.
Water analyses performed by Lab/Cor include, but are not limited to the following:
- EPA 100.1: Non-potable water
- EPA 100.2: Potable drinking water
- EPA-600/4-043: Chatfield
- EPA-600/4-80-005: Anderson & Long
Chrysotile Ore (Canada)
Bulk analyses performed by Lab/Cor include, but are not limited to the following:
- EPA/600/R-93/116: Bulk, Qualitative
- EPA/600/R-93/116: Bulk, Semi-Quantititative
- EPA/600/R-93/116: Bulk, Quantitative
- EPA/600/R-93/116: Bulk, PLM 400 Point Count
- ASTM D-5755-03: TEM Surface Dust (ASTM Texwipe Literature, ASTM Data Interpretation)
- EPA 540-R97-028: Bulk, Soils by Elutriator
- NIOSH 9000: Bulk, XRD
- JIS A 1481: Bulk, Qualitative, XRD
- JIS A 1481: Bulk, Quantitative, XRD
Vermiculite attic insulation (VAI) may contain asbestos if it was mined alongside or in regions known to contain asbestos (i.e. Libby, Mt). Disturbing this product may be a potential health risk and should be done so with extreme caution and the proper equipment.
Vermiculite is tested for the presence of asbestos using a refined sedimentation-gravimetric method known as the "Cincinnati Method". This method helps separate and differentiate asbestiform minerals from other non-asbestifom particulate such as fibrous and platy vermiculite. By using a combination of TEM, SEM and Stereo microscopy we are able to increase the sensitivity of the analysis and correctly identify differentiate asbestos minerals from other mineral look a likes. These look a likes may otherwise be reported as false positives using other means of analysis such as PLM.
Vermiculite sample analysis begins at the point of sampling. The 'Cincinnati Method' includes the proper technique for sampling vermiculite. Upon receipt, the sample is dried, weighed, coned, quartered and split into sub-samples. A sub-sample is then submerged in 1 liter of laboratory reagent water and allowed to settle. The sample is divided into 'sinks' and 'floats' which are analyzed by stereo microscopy for the larger fractions of asbestiform minerals.
When observed, these fractions are weighed and identified using SEM/ TEM capabilities. If there are no apparent 'large fractions' of asbestiform mineral, the supernatant in which the sub-sample was settled is aliquoted into a series of representative volumes. These aliquots are prepared onto 0.2 MCE filters that are dried, collapsed, and carbon coated. They are then placed onto Cu index grids for TEM semi quantitative analysis.
For a complete list of services offered, please visit Analytical Services.
Building materials such as floor tile or 'popcorn' ceiling may be subcontracted for asbestos testing using Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM). Generally, only a small amount of material is required for testing. A 1 x 1 inch piece is usually a sufficient amount. Please enclose the material in a double Zip-Lock bag, in an effort to prevent an accidental release of the material.
Samples can be submitted via mail or drop off. Lab/Cor hours of operation are 8 AM to 5 PM and in the event we're out of office or closed, please use the mail drop next to the front door.
Please download and properly complete a Chain of Custody form, enclosed with a check of the correct amount. If you would like to make payment via a debit or credit card, please indicate this on the chain of custody and you will be contacted upon receipt of the sample or the following business day.
For more information about asbestos in building materials including health effects of exposure to asbestos please see U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Asbestos in Your Home.
Lab/Cor specializes in the analysis of asbestos in materials and does not provide sampling, consultation, or asbestos remediation services. Please refer to a business directory under Asbestos Testing and Consulting. More information about asbestos removal in the state of Washington is available here including a list of Asbestos Abatement Contractors receiving certification from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
Instructions for the collection and removal of various bulk samples for homeowners in the Puget Sound area are available through the following link: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
For a complete list of services offered, please visit Analytical Services.