Asbestos is a very dangerous carcinogen and that is why any analysis needs to be handled accurately, and safely. Prolonged inhalation of the material can lead to a variety of diseases (including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis). It is especially important to rid an area of asbestos if there are children present as they are even more susceptible to the dangers of long term inhalation. If an uncontrolled disturbance occurs, the asbestos fibres can remain airborne for up to 72 hours (3 days).
Any sampling is recommended to be conducted by qualified personnel.
For projects involving contractors and the public, qualified personnel are required by WorkSafeBC to conduct the sampling and analysis in order to be compliant.
Asbestos analysis is normally categorized into one of two types:
Bulk Asbestos Samples:
These samples are composed of a solid substance, usually building material such as drywall mud, floor tile or linoleum, ceiling texture (popcorn ceiling) and many other solid materials. Because of the hazards of asbestos, it is important to follow sample collection and transportation safety protocols while collecting and transporting any samples.
We Test also offers Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Using magnifications routinely at 20,000X or greater and employing powerful chemical (EDXA) and mineralogical (SAEDP) tools, the TEM can differentiate not only asbestos from non-asbestos fibres, but also can classify the several species of different asbestos minerals.
Airborne Asbestos Samples:
Monitoring the air for asbestos in and around work areas during asbestos abatement activities and clearance asbestos testing after removal completed is a critical step in ensuring your worker and occupant safety. During an asbestos abatement project, Asbestos Air Monitoring is a requirement by WorkSafeBC to show your compliance with limits set by WorkSafeBC, NIOSH, and other regulatory agencies. Using both stationary and portable apparatus to collect samples, we then use Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) to identify the amount of particles in a given quantity of air.