Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis allows the examination and identification of not only fiber morphology but the chemical composition thereof. This combination of different detectors allow the fibers to be identified as asbestos fibers but also characterize the type of asbestos according to their chemical profile and morphology. Each asbestos mineral has a characteristic and fingerprint EDS spectrum, with the ratios of elements such as magnesium, silicon, iron, calcium and oxygen used for identification.
The presence or absence and relative proportions of other elements, such as aluminum and potassium can be used to distinguish asbestos fibers from other minerals similar in composition, such as Mica (biotite) or Pyroxenes. SEM-EDS also allows asbestos to be easily distinguished from glass, organic- and manmade-fibers. SEM-EDS allows individual fiber bundles as narrow as 10-50 nm to be examined by x-ray analysis and elements as low in atomic weight as boron can be identified and their relative proportions determined. We work closely with AIA companies giving a full scientific report.
Advantages of asbestos analysis by means of SEM-EDS
- Short processing time, as a rule 1-2 day turnaround time after sample receipt
- Reliable analysis by scanning electron microscopy, SEM and X-ray micro analysis, EDS
- Tested testing procedures, regular participation in collaborative studies
- The combination of different detectors allow the fibers to be identified also characterize the type of asbestos type
- SEM/EDS allows individual fiber bundles as narrow as 10-50 nm to be examined by x-ray analysis and elements as low in atomic weight as boron can be identified and their relative proportions determined.
- SEM-EDS can be used to distinguish between “UMF” forms of asbestos, as well as allowing confirmation of the asbestos type determined by PLM, when optical properties vary from expectation.
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SEM-EDS analysis provides a powerful tool that should be considered in epidemiological or occupational hygiene assessments whenever the composition of dusts or airborne fibers are not known, or human exposure exceeds the lowest NOHSC exposure standards.
SEM-EDS analysis provides a powerful tool that should be considered in epidemiological or occupational hygiene assessments whenever the composition of dusts or airborne fibers is not known or human exposure exceeds the lowest NOHSC exposure standards. This technique allows detailed classification and assessment of the hazards present and the potential risks to human health.
The Australian Standard method for the Qualitative Identification of Asbestos AS4964 uses polarized light microscopy (PLM) with dispersion staining to explicitly identify chrysotile, crocidolite and amosite. Other forms of asbestos can be found using PLM, however these fibers cannot be definitively identified by this method and are therefore designated as Unidentified Mineral Fibers, or UMF. Heat or chemically damaged fibers also commonly fall into this classification. SEM-EDS can be used to distinguish between these “UMF” forms of asbestos, as well as allowing confirmation of the asbestos type determined by PLM, when optical properties vary from expectation.
Synthetic (or Man-made) Mineral Fibers (SMF or MMVF) such as glass wool and refractory ceramic fibers are generally distinguishable from asbestiform fibers by their morphology, with the chemical composition depending on the source. SEM/EDS analysis can be used to characterize SMF or match fibers with known products. One of the more hazardous types of SMF, Refractory Ceramic Fibers (RCF) can be distinguished from other SMF using EDS by the alkaline oxide and alkali earth oxide content. Natural fibers such as spider webs and synthetic organic fibers including rayon and nylon can be easily distinguished from asbestos and other mineral fibers by their high carbon and low metal content.
Asbestos can be found in residential buildings. The following list is certainly not exhaustive.
Weakly bound asbestos products
Sprayed asbestos or asbestos-containing spray plasters. Asbestos-containing plasters of light mortars. Asbestos-containing mats, asbestos boards. Asbestos –containing light-weight panels. Loose fill asbestos fibers. Asbestos-containing sealing strips. Asbestos-containing cords, strips, fabrics, foams. Floor tiles with a felt paper like asbestos base, cushioned vinyls. Air ventilation ducts made of lightweight building boards. Fire dampers and fireproofing panels in fire doors. Protective curtains. Pipe clamps with inserts. Parts of night storage heaters.
Tightly bound asbestos products, cement or eternit
Roof coverings (flat or corrugated plates).
Exterior paneling.
Pipes in all areas of building construction and civil engineering.
Vent pipes and flues (gas heating).
Gardening products like flower boxes or windowsills.
Chemical construction products
Bitumen or roofing and sealing membranes
Floor tiles (flex tiles) & adhesives
Lutings or even putties
Joint fillers
Fillers and sealants
Coating compounds, anti-corrosion coatings (water engineering)
Adhesives based on bitumen or resin.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the analysis of samples for asbestos only very small quantities of representative material are necessary:
- a sample of 1 x 1 cm size for material samples
- the content of a thimble in dust samples are more than sufficient.
For testing we need a small but representative piece, about the size of a small coin. You can take the sample yourself but please avoid dust formation by dampening the relevant area of the sample with water. Always wear the appropriate PPE. (Personal Protective Equipment)
Place the sample(s) into a sample bag(s) with clip closure, a freezer bag or a film can and dispatch it in a Jiffy bag or another kind of protective bag.
Include an informal letter with your address and an additional note “analysis for asbestos”.
We will be glad to send a PDF file of the documents. In this case, please state your mailing address.
If you take a sample of a larger quantity of dust, please avoid stirring it up. Place the sample into an air-proof sample bag with clip closure, a freezer bag or a film can and dispatch it in a Jiffy bag or another kind of protective bag.
To collect a dust sample, press a 10 cm long strip of sticky tape into the dust and then glue the strip onto a smooth surface (for example a transparent folder). Alternatively, fold the strip in the middle so that the adhesive surfaces stick to each other.
Please pack the sample(s) taken in this way in a small bag (individually, to avoid cross contamination) or film container and label each sample individually with a unique short sample designation, identical to that which you stated in the order email and send the samples to us in a padded envelope. You can now send the samples with a delivery service of your choice.
We will confirm receipt of your samples. You can also use the tracking services of the delivery service to track your shipment. If you would like to document the delivery, we recommend that you send it by post.
When ordering via email, BEAM will generate an Invoice. You can conveniently pay via EFT (banking details will be supplied). Should you become a regular customer a credit agreement will be possible where all the samples will be added over 30 days and only one Invoice will be generated.
You get the results in the form of a professional report via e-mail within three days (we aim to give results 24h-48h) after the receipt of the samples and payment.