IATL is a fully independent environmental testing laboratory.  Unlike many other environmental laboratories, IATL specializes in only three analytes: asbestos, lead and mold.  Everything from our facilities to staff were selected with these clearly focused analytical objectives in mind!

IATL is able to provide quality results on over 250,000 asbestos samples per year.  The asbestos laboratory is divided into the following categories:

• Airborne

• Bulk Building Materials

• Settled Dust and Other Non-Building Materials

• Soil, Sediment and Vermiculite

• Water and Other Aqueous Samples

Airborne
Airborne concentrations of asbestos are determined by PCM and TEM.

Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) is widely used to measure fiber concentrations of air samples.  This is routinely done at asbestos abatement sites and can be applied for environmental monitoring, personnel monitoring, and clearance testing for minor abatement projects.

The PCM technique has the advantage of fast turnaround time and low cost.  This technique, however, does have significant limitations.  This light microscope technique operates at magnifications of only 400X and will not resolve fibers below 0.25 microns (um) in diameter.  Furthermore, PCM can not distinguish asbestos fibers from other fibers (ex: gypsum, mineral wool, fiberglass, cellulose etc.).

Consequently, 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.  Because of the limitations of this technique, many consultants and public agencies now require the use of TEM for certain monitoring and clearance activities.

The current revision of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Method 7400 is employed for this analytical technique.  Accreditation is provided for the laboratory through the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and for individual laboratory analysts through the AIHA Asbestos Analysts Registry (AAR) Program.

Extensive Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) regimens are performed as part of our ongoing certification program.  Proficiency testing is primarily conducted through the Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (PAT) administered by AIHA.  On-site technical evaluations are also primarily conducted through AIHA.

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) represents the most sophisticated technology available for characterizing asbestos minerals.  This technique is now the standard for most airborne investigations including post abatement clearance testing as well as diagnostic and environmental monitoring activities.

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 fibers, but also can classify the several species that comprise asbestos minerals.  The sample preparation and analysis process precludes turnarounds that would be available for PCM.  Typical TEM RUSH analysis on a set of AHERA samples can be conducted in four to six hours.

Airborne samples are routinely investigated employing methods from NIOSH, EPA, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) guidelines, and International Standards Organization (ISO 10312).  Accreditation is primarily provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) through the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP).

Extensive Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) regimens are performed as part of an ongoing certification program.  Proficiency testing is primarily conducted through the Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (PAT) administered by NVLAP.  On-site technical evaluations are also primarily conducted through NVLAP.

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.

The PLM procedure provides an economical technique for screening large numbers of samples.  However, as with PCM, there are limitations to light microscopy testing due to the magnification (100-400X) employed and due to other interferences present in the building material matrix (ex: tar and petroleum binding components, sub-micron particulate adhering to the surface of asbestos mineral, etc.).

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. (See FAQ)  Depending on the sample matrix, PLM analytical sensitivity can be a fraction of a percent.  Gravimetric reduction protocols (ELAP 198.6, EPA 600 Sec. 2.3) further enhance this technique's ability to accurately quantify and qualify asbestos.

The current method employed for these analyses is found in EPA 600/R-93/116.  Other procedures are also utilized to supplement this method (ELAP 198.1).  Accreditation is primarily provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) through the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP).

Extensive Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) regimens are performed as part of an ongoing program.  Proficiency testing is primarily conducted through the Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (PAT) administered by NVLAP.  On-site technical evaluations are also primarily conducted through NVLAP.

Because of the limitations listed above, many regulatory bodies have recommended (some requiring) further analysis of bulk building materials by TEM (ELAP 198.4).  The gravimetric reduction process usually employed on Non-Friable Organically Bound (NOB) building materials (ex: floor tiles, roofing materials, etc.) is particularly well suited for TEM confirmation of negative PLM samples.  (See FAQ)
 

Settled Dust and Other Non-Building Materials
The analysis of Settled Dust and other Non-Building Materials for asbestos content continues to be a growing and controversial subject in the environmental industry.  Whether to establish baseline levels, survey historical buildup, or to diagnose episodic releases, the utility of surface dust analysis has proven efficacy for the environmental professional.

The established methods published by ASTM call for detailed field sampling schemes and analysis by TEM.  (See FAQ)  ASTM D5755, D5756, and D6480 have been developed for this specialized analysis. Though TEM is the method of choice, proprietary in-house methods using PLM can be employed.  IATL cautions its clients against the use of non-peer reviewed methods due to the limitations of certain analytical techniques.

Data interpretation may prove difficult for these methods.  There are several comprehensive references available for responsible environmental professionals who desire to be informed of the utility of these methods.
 

Vermiculite minerals have been routinely used by industry in various applications and in the home as insulation. Though Vermiculite mineral originates naturally in the ground, it is not really a 'soil', nor is it a traditional building material. Several analytical protocols exist for the analysis of asbestos in vermiculite. These analytical approaches vary depending upon the nature of the vermiculite mineral being tested (e.g. un-processed gaunge, homogeneous exfoliated books of mica, or mixed mineral composites).

IATL recommends initial testing using the EPA 600/R-93/116 method. This method is specifically designed for the analysis of asbestos in bulk building materials. It provides an acceptable starting point for primary screening of the vermiculite for possible asbestos.

Results from this testing may be inconclusive. EPA suggests proceeding to a multi-tiered analysis involving wet separation techniques in conjunction with PLM and TEM gravimetric analysis (EPA 600/R-04/004). Please call for more information and pricing.

The established methods published by EPA call for detailed field sampling schemes and analysis by PLM.  (See FAQ)  Though PLM is the method of choice due to its economy, proprietary in-house methods using TEM can be employed.  IATL cautions its clients against the use of non-peer reviewed methods due to the limitations of certain analytical techniques.  Data interpretation may prove difficult for these methods.  There are several comprehensive references available for responsible environmental professionals who desire to be informed of the utility of these methods.
 

Water and Other Aqueous Samples
The analysis of Water and Other Aqueous samples for asbestos content continues to mature.  This growth is evidenced by recent method developments by EPA.  Investigations of asbestos in drinking water are conducted when water supply pipes are disturbed or replaced.  Municipal utilities serving certain populations are required to test this analyte.  Often effluent or waste streams are tested to survey industrial contamination.

The established methods published by EPA 100.1 and 100.2 call for detailed field sampling schemes and analysis by TEM.  (See FAQ)  Data interpretation may prove difficult for these methods.  There are several comprehensive references available for responsible environmental professionals who desire to be informed of the utility of these methods.