Asbestos Services

Our Capabilities in Asbestos Lab Services

• Product characterization
• Fiber release studies
• Environmental forensics
• Interpretation of technical data
• Trial preparation
• Deposition and trial testimony

What is asbestos?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asbestos is a commercial term applied to the asbestiform varieties of six different silicate minerals. Asbestos minerals are divided into two categories: serpentine asbestos and amphibole asbestos. Serpentine asbestos is known as chrysotile asbestos, while the other five varieties (amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite) are collectively referred to as amphibole asbestos.

The properties of asbestos that caused it to be widely used commercially are:

• its ability to be separated into long, thin flexible fibers
• high tensile strength
• low thermal and electrical conductivity
• high mechanical and chemical durability
• high heat resistance

What is product characterization for asbestos content?
When we receive products suspected to have asbestos we examine those using different analytical techniques, including polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. These techniques allow us to determine whether a product contains asbestos and how much is present. Examples of products that have tested positive for asbestos include electrical components, gaskets and packing, ropes, gloves, joint compounds, talcum powder, floor tiles, dryer felts, automotive brakes and clutches, welding rods, vermiculite attic insulation, cigarette filters, and cement pipes.

What is a fiber release study?
The objective of a fiber release study is to investigate the workplace practices of a person who used an asbestos-containing product, and tests whether there would be any asbestos fibers released under those conditions. During the study, air samples are collected in the breathing zone and within the vicinity of the study participant, who is properly protected with a respirator. The air samples are then analyzed by standard microscopy methods to determine the concentration of asbestos present. In some cases, the study can be recorded for retrospective evaluation or training purposes.