Less Costly and Faster Asbestos Detection May Be on the Horizon
A cheaper and more convenient means of testing for asbestos, with nearly the accuracy of the current state-of-the-art, is available. This could make testing faster and less expensive. A recent article in Analytical Methods discussed it.
The Best Asbestos Testing is Complex, Expensive, and Time-Consuming
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been used for decades to determine the presence of asbestos fibers in samples taken at construction sites. Twenty-five years ago, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated that most schools undergoing asbestos abatement use TEM to test air samples before reopening. Several states also require or recommend TEM for testing for abatement of commercial buildings.
As accurate as TEM is, it’s expensive and done in a lab by specialized staff. An alternative, phase contrast microscopy, is cheaper and easier but less precise.
An Improving Technology May Be a Better Alternative
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) researchers found that the results of a third alternative, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), is roughly comparable to TEM.
SEM is often more convenient and cheaper than TEM. This research could lead to faster and cheaper asbestos testing. TEM and SEM are types of electron microscopy. Technicians focus electron beams on material, electrons interact with it, and they produce highly detailed information on the sample’s composition, shape, and structure.
The TEM process involves electrons passing through the material while they reflect off it, unlike conventional SEM. TEM produces more detailed images and probes the sample’s interior. It is also better at distinguishing between objects that are very close together.
SEM equipment manufacturers recently improved their imaging power and capabilities. There are tabletop SEMs, so the technology can be used in the field, while TEM must be in a lab. Training to use and operate SEM equipment can take several months, while TEM expertise may take years.
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If you have an asbestos-related illness, including mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation. To discuss your situation and how Satterley & Kelley, PLLC can help, call our Louisville office toll-free at 855-385-9532. You may also complete our contact form for a free initial consultation.