Are you planning work that could release asbestos fibres into the air? Measuring fibre concentration can help assess exposure conditions and guide appropriate preventive measures.
Lab’Eau-Air-Sol performs airborne fibre analyses for worksite monitoring, end-of-work checks and indoor air assessments. The results provide useful data for professionals and project managers assessing the conditions observed at the time of sampling.
About the analysis
Understanding airborne asbestos analysis
What is asbestos?
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals whose fibres were used in various building materials, particularly for their heat resistance and durability.
When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, fibres can be released into the air. Inhaling them is associated with serious respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibres in the air
Airborne fibres are generally invisible to the naked eye. Their presence and concentration therefore cannot be determined simply by a visual inspection.
Air sampling followed by laboratory analysis measures the concentration of fibres that meet the criteria of the method used.
What does the analysis involve?
The analysis involves drawing a known volume of air through a filter membrane. The collected fibres are then examined in the laboratory.
Concentration is calculated from the number of fibres counted and the volume of air sampled, using the criteria of the applicable analytical method.
Respirable asbestos fibre counting
Fibre counting is commonly performed using phase contrast optical microscopy, following a recognized method for analysing airborne fibres.
This technique counts fibres that meet the method’s criteria. However, on its own, it does not determine the mineralogical nature of each fibre observed.
Depending on the purpose of the work, a complementary method may be needed to distinguish asbestos fibres specifically from other fibres.
When should you request this analysis?
Airborne fibre analysis may be useful in various work settings or indoor air quality assessments.
Monitoring during work
On certain worksites with a high risk of asbestos exposure, airborne fibre concentration must be monitored while work is being performed.
In the situations covered by section 3.23.16 of the construction safety code, sampling is required at least once per work shift, and reasonable measures must be taken to obtain the results within 24 hours.
These data help monitor working conditions and the preventive measures in place.
Measurements at the end of work
Sampling may also be carried out at the end of certain work involving asbestos, including checks required before an area is returned to use or a work enclosure is dismantled.
Results must be interpreted according to the requirements for the type of worksite and the purpose of sampling.
How can we help?
- You are planning renovation, demolition or the removal of asbestos-containing materials.
- You need to monitor airborne fibre concentration during work.
- You need to check air quality at the end of work involving asbestos.
- You want to document airborne fibre concentration in a home or another building.
- You would like information about sampling, analysis procedures or costs.
- You are a contractor, building manager, professional or owner looking for a laboratory to analyse airborne fibres.
Air analysis and material characterization: two distinct services
If you suspect asbestos in a building material, characterizing that material is generally the appropriate step to determine whether it contains asbestos.
Airborne fibre analysis serves a different purpose: it measures airborne fibre concentration at the time of sampling. It does not replace the characterization of suspect materials.
Sampling
How is an air sample collected?
Sampling requires suitable equipment and a protocol that matches the purpose of the analysis.
Sampling locations, duration and the volume of air collected may vary depending on whether the purpose is worksite monitoring or an indoor air assessment.
Contact our team for information on collecting and submitting your samples.
Sampling methods
Consult the available information about preparing and submitting samples.