How can asbestos be identified?

While it is often possible to "suspect" that a material is asbestos or contains asbestos by looking at it (visual determination), actual determinations can only be made by instrumental analysis. Until your facility tests a product, it is best to assume that the material contains asbestos, unless the label or the manufacturer verifies that it does not.

Your facility’s qualified person will collect samples of suspect ACM for analysis. EPA requires (at a minimum) that suspect samples be analyzed for asbestos content using polarized light microscopy (PLM). This technique determines both the percent and type of asbestos.

EPA also recommends the use of the July 1993 Test Method, "Method for the Determination of Asbestos in Bulk Building Materials," particularly when analyzing special case materials.

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see also:

Control Emissions NESHAP require those ship scrapping to control asbestos emissions
When ship scrapping, control asbestos emissions, says NESHAP

Notification Requirements What amount of asbestos on RACM pipes needs notification requirements?
Notification requirements for RACM pipes with asbestos

Practices & Procedures Know the practices and procedures for ship scrapping asbestos removal
Ship Scrapping workers: The asbestos removal practices and procedures