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Asbestos
This Fact Sheet is presented by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III (EPA) to assist in the selection of analytical parameters and the associated Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures to be utilized in Phase II Environmental Assessments under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields initiative. This fact sheet is presented for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a federal policy or directive. The Brownfields Coordinator for this region may be reached at 215-814-5000.
ANALYSIS METHODS
Please note that the methods listed below are EPA approved and the most commonly used by EPA and their contractors. However, they are not the only methods for the analysis of asbestos. In addition, these are not drinking water test methods.
| MATRIX | ANALYSIS METHOD |
|---|---|
| Soil/Solid | NIOSH 9002 (1) |
| Air | NIOSH 7400 or 7402 (1) OSHA ID160 (2) |
- National Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods. Cincinnati, OH.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 1985 OSHA Analytical Methods Manual. Washington, D.C..
COLLECTION MEDIA/VOLUME
Listed below are the EPA-recommended preservation and holding times as well as suggested glassware.
| MATRIX | GLASSWARE | VOLUME | PRESERVATIVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil/Solid | plastic zip locking bag | minimal | wet down |
| Air | MCE filter anti-static cassette, support pad | as per method | none |
MINIMUM LABORATORY QUALITY CONTROL MEASURES
The laboratory should have Standard Operating Procedures available for review for the asbestos analyses and for all associated methods needed to complete these analyses, such as total solids, instrument maintenance, sample handling, and sample documentation procedures. In addition, the laboratory should have a Laboratory Quality Assurance/Quality Control Statement available for review which includes all key personnel qualifications. It is also preferable that the laboratory chosen have current National Volunteer Laboratory Certification Program (NVLAP) Certification for the U.S. Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards Testing.
| QC TYPE | FREQUENCY OF ANALYSIS | ACCEPTABLE LIMITS |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Calibration | Prior to analysis | Instrument must meet manufacturers' specifications |
| Method Blank | Once per analysis set | See method for allowable limits |
| Duplicates | One per set or per 20 samples |
MINIMUM DATA PACKAGE REQUIREMENTS
- Sample results in a tabular form (if soil or sediment) reported on a dry weight basis.
- Report % moisture or % solids for all soil and sediment samples.
- Report sample volumes or weights, as well as any dilution factors, for each sample analysis.
- Returned copy of the chain of custody form sent with the samples with laboratory receipt acknowledgment, and the internal or laboratory chain of custody forms.
- Method blank results.
- Optional: sample, standard and blank instrument printouts, and extraction or preparation logs.
Note: The optional QC must be maintained by laboratory for at least one year for possible future QC audits.