Bulk Asbestos
What is Asbestos and Why is Laboratory Testing Important?
Asbestos describes a number of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals. Asbestos is an excellent insulator for sound, heat and electricity. The fibers are very durable and therefore asbestos seemed like an ideal building material in the past. However, asbestos is a known carcinogen, which may cause lung cancer (mesothelioma) or other illnesses.
Differentiating a materials containing asbestos can be difficult, as many asbestos containing materials are indistinguishable from those that don't. Common builing materials such as floor tiles, linoleum, drywall, drywall joint compound, ceiling stipple, and ceiling tiles may contain asbestos. Different manufacturers or different batches of materials may or may not have contained asbestos. Therefore renovations and repairs over time may have removed or added asbestos hazards without altering appearance. Often the only way to differentiate these materials is through laboratory testing.
By Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)
The same reliable service that you have come to expect from us is now available for bulk asbestos, NIOSH 9002 and EPA 600/R-93/116(Gravimetric) methods.
PLM is an accepted method for identification of asbestos in bulk samples. Fibers are extracted and examined by a trained analyst to identify asbestos.
Bulk Asbestos Sampling Procedure
Working with asbestos in the workplace has specific requirements. Please refer to local laws and guidelines to find out your legal rights and responsibilities regarding working with asbestos.
Please read through the links provided below for more information.
Asbestos bulk sampling procedures are available on pages 88 & 89 of the Alberta Asbestos Abatement Manual.
