Asbestos Analysis

SAI’s state-of-the-art Asbestos Laboratory provides quality analytical results with turnaround times as rapid as 90 minutes for PLM samples and 3 hours for TEM samples. Our capabilities include: Airborne Sample Analysis, Bulk Sample Analysis, Dust Sample Analysis, and Water Sample Analysis.

Asbestos Analysis SAI Asbestos Analysis

Equipment

In order to provide the most accurate results, SAI has selected the best available scientific equipment for our laboratory. Our Phase Contrast Microscopes (PCM) and Polarized Light Microscopes (PLM), designed by Leica, incorporate the latest advances in optical engineering that allows our scientists to improve the accuracy of their findings.

Our electron microscopy facility houses Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM: models JEOL 2000-FX and JEOL 1200-EX), along with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM: FEI Quanta 200F) which allow us to effortlessly handle the identification of asbestos through morphology to >500,000X magnification, chemistry by Energy-Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDXA), and atomic crystal d-spacing measurements from Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED). Additionally, this facility provides us with the resources necessary to conduct more sophisticated forensic materials analysis, such as full scan X-ray Diffraction (XRD) (see also Silica and Industrial Hygiene).

Asbestos Analysis testing at SAI

Accreditations

SAI is accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) for the analysis of airborne asbestos by TEM and for the analysis of bulk asbestos by PLM (NVLAP Lab Code: 200664-0). Additionally, SAI is a fully-accredited AIHA Industrial Hygiene Laboratory (IHLAP), accredited by AIHA-LAP, LLC for asbestos analyses, including PCM, PLM, and TEM (AIHA IHPAT Lab ID: 173190). Browse SAI’s full list of accreditations.

See All Accreditations We Hold

Asbestos Analysis Capabilities

Airborne Sample Analysis

Airborne Asbestos Analysis by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM):

  • AHERA Methodology (40 CFR, Part 763, Subpart E, Appendix A)
  • Yamate Level II Methodology (EPA Contract No. 68-02-3266)
  • NIOSH 7402
  • ISO 10312
  • ISO 13794

Airborne Fiber Analysis by Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM):

  • NIOSH 7400 (A&B Rules, TWA)

Bulk Sample Analysis

Bulk Asbestos Analysis by Polarized Light Microscopy:

  • EPA Method: 600/R-93/116
  • EPA Method: 600/M4-82-020
  • IRSST 244
  • CARB
  • NY ELAP 198.1 & 198.6

Bulk Asbestos Analysis by Transmission Electron Microscopy:

  • EPA/600/R-93/116 Chatfield
  • NY ELAP 198.4
  • ISO 2226-2
  • Cosmetic Testing
  • Talc
  • Cincinnati Method Vermiculite
  • ASTM Designation: D7521-16: Soil

Dust Sample Analysis

Analysis for Asbestos Structure Number Concentration of Microvacuum Samples by Transmission Electron Microscopy:

  • ASTM Designation: D5755-09 Analysis for Asbestos Structure Number Concentration of Wipe Surface Samples by Transmission Electron Microscopy: Microvac
  • ASTM Designation: D6480-05: Wipe

Water Sample Analysis

Determination of Asbestos Structure Concentration in Drinking Water by Transmission Electron Microscopy:

  • EPA Method 100.2

Explore Lab & Testing Services