Asbestos in Dust Laboratory Testing

Allab offers a range of sophisticated asbestos dust testing services, employing industry-standard methods to detect and analyze asbestos fibers in dust from various sources, thereby mitigating health risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Detailed Insight into Asbestos Dust Testing

Asbestos dust, potentially resulting from past inadequate remediation efforts or decaying asbestos-containing materials, is a source of significant concern due to the health risks associated with inhalation of airborne fibers. This dust often contains tiny, unbound asbestos fibers that can become airborne when disturbed. Although aggressive air testing can sometimes serve as an alternative to dust sampling, it's not always a feasible solution.

Industry-Standard Testing Methods

Allab employs two ASTM standard methods for sampling and analyzing asbestos in settled dust:

• ASTM D5755 (Micro-Vacuum Method)
• ASTM D6480 (Wipe Method)

We use Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for the analysis, as it is the most reliable method for such testing. While not our primary recommendation, TEM filtration can be useful when measuring the sampled area isn't possible or when using qualitative results to confirm suspected positive results.

The choice of sampling media is crucial for valid analysis. Using inappropriate media such as baby wipes, paper towels, or tape can lead to fiber interferences, affecting the results' accuracy.

Testing Procedure and Considerations

Both ASTM methods involve introducing the collected dust into a known volume of aqueous solution. The solution is aliquoted and filtered onto membrane filters. A subsection of the filter is collapsed onto a TEM grid for analysis, where structures are counted, measured, and identified using Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDXA) at high magnification.

While these methods are designed for a 100cm2 sampling area, adjustments can be made for locations with heavy or light dust accumulation. It's crucial to provide the sampling area size on the chain of custody for accurate calculations. These methods are specifically designed for dust; if you suspect the presence of debris instead, we at Allab can provide alternative analysis options.

Allab: Accredited and Reliable

Allab is a fully accredited laboratory for asbestos dust testing, adhering to stringent quality control procedures and industry regulations. Our dedication to accuracy and reliability ensures you receive the highest quality of service and results.