Asbestos

Asbestos analysis

Asbestos analysis is divided into two: "building material analysis" which is to check if materials of the building to be demolished contains asbestos or not, and "atmospheric analysis" which is to check if asbestos in the air does not exceed a certain quantity. The method for building material analysis is regulated with ISO22262, and the one for the atmospheric analysis is regulated by ISO 14966, ISO 10312, etc. In addition, some countries have more detailed standards, so it is necessary to check the regulations of each country when conducting the analysis.

Asbestos analysis for building materials

If the presence of asbestos in a building scheduled for demolition cannot be determined, it is necessary to analyze building materials that may contain asbestos. Typically, a polarized optical microscope (POM) is used. However, for samples that are difficult to identify, an SEM (scanning electron microscope) or TEM (transmission electron microscope) is used to confirm. Compared to repeating the pretreatment process or re-examining with POM, these methods allow for more efficient verification and provide highly reliable data.

SEM image and elemental analysis result for fibers on carbon tape

Atmospheric Analysis

Asbestos is monitored at the waste disposal site, disaster site, and demolition site of building containing asbestos. With the atmospheric analysis, a filter is used to collect asbestos fibers existing in the air first. After performing the necessary pre-treatment on the filter after collection, the number of fibers is counted and elemental analysis is performed by using an electron microscope.

SEM image and elemental analysis result of a fiber on the atmospheric sampling filter

Useful functions for asbestos analysis

Live Analysis

"Live Analysis" is a function that allows you to check the spectra during an SEM observation.
When you find a fiber that appears to be asbestos, you can confirm its composition simply by enlarging the image, without starting up the EDS element analysis system.
After finding the fiber, you can reliably and efficiently determine whether it is asbestos.

Montage Function

This function obtains an SEM image of the designated area when you are away for meetings and at night. If you specify the fibers searched and found in the SEM image, analysis/classification is possible by returning to the fiber.

Fully automated analysis (air analysis for asbestos screening)

Particle analysis software automatically performs imaging, extracting fibers, elemental analysis, classifying, and moving to the next field of view. There is no need for an operator to do any work after measurement starts. It is especially recommended for atmospheric analysis where it is necessary to count and analyze all of the few fibers present.

*Particle analysis software is optional. There are some conditions for samples in which a fully automatic analysis can be performed.