Total Nuisance or Respirable Dust
by NIOSH Method 0500/0600

Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)

Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) is the technique most often employed for the analysis of bulk building materials. The light microscopy technique utilizes the unique features of polarized light to observe mineral specific optical properties. In this manner, PLM can differentiate asbestos from non-asbestos fibers and further classify the various species that compose the asbestos mineral family. Moreover, the technique records the identity of the non-asbestos fibrous component of each bulk building material sample.

PLM results are reported as a percentage of the total sample. PLM utilizes a few protocols for the quantification process. These include visual estimation and point counting. Depending on the sample matrix, PLM analytical sensitivity can be a fraction of a percent. Gravimetric reduction protocol (EPA 600 Sec. 2.3) further enhance this technique's ability to accurately quantify and qualify asbestos. The current method employed for this analysis is found in EPA 600/R-93/116.

Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM)

Phase Contrast Microscopy Airborne concentrations of asbestos are determined by PCM. Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) is widely used to measure fiber concentrations of air samples. Sampling for this analysis are routinely taken at asbestos abatement sites and can be applied to environmental monitoring, personnel monitoring, and clearance testing for minor abatement projects. An analysis by PCM indicating high fiber counts does not necessarily indicate the presence of asbestos. Likewise, low fiber counts by PCM can not conclude an asbestos free environment. PCM merely provides an index of the total airborne fibers present in a given size range. The current revision of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Method 7400 is employed for this analytical technique.

Point Count

At the customers request, a more accurate quanatative analysis of the sample can be provided by point count. This is usually done only for samples showing ten percent or less asbestos content. Point Counting can be done with or without gravimetical reduction of the sample.

Bulk Fungal/Mold Identification

Fungal Mold Inditification helps in the determination of harmful mold spores present on surfaces. This method of identification is used to determin the percent and type of fungal mold spores present by obtaining scrapings or placing a swab or tape directly to the area in question.

Air Fungal/Mold Identification

Fungal Mold Inditification helps in the determination of harmful mold spores present in the air. This method of identification is used to determin the percent and type of fungal mold spores present by pulling an air sample using an
Air-O-Cell, Cyclex (d), BioCell, or other spore trap cassette/device.