Asbestos
Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and prolonged exposure is linked to higher rates of mesothelioma (pleural cancer) and other incurable asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis and lung cancer.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral, of which there are six types, Chrysotile, Amosite, Crocidolite, Actinolite, Tremolite and Anthophyllite. Asbestos is made up of bundles of very fine fibres, which can become airborne when disturbed. Asbestos is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to fire and water and was used commonly in various construction applications for the greater part of the 20th century.
The risk posed by asbestos depends on the type of product in which it has been incorporated and its state of degradation. When asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are disturbed, microscopic asbestos fibres can be released into the air and may become inhaled, lodging themselves in the lungs. The biologically persistent indestructible nature of asbestos fibres makes them difficult or impossible to expel.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and prolonged exposure is linked to higher rates of mesothelioma (pleural cancer) and other incurable asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis and lung cancer. The latency period of asbestos-related diseases may be up to 20 years or more. Australia has one of the highest incidence rates of mesothelioma in the world.
Our Capabilities
Our NATA/IANZ ISO 17025 asbestos laboratories located in Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, Perth and Auckland accept samples from anywhere across Australia and New Zealand, and offer solutions for the analysis of asbestos in air samples, building materials, dust and soil. Our state-of-the-art laboratories are accredited to carry out asbestos testing, identification and additional services to support a range of asbestos testing requirements.
Asbestos Identification
Building Materials – Qualitative analysis of Chrysotile, Amosite, Crocidolite, Organic Fibres and Synthetic Mineral Fibres.
Soil, Dust & Swabs as per AS4964 – Semi-quantitative (0.01% w/w)
Soil as per NEPM, WA DoH Guidelines and New Zealand Guidelines for Assessing and Managing Asbestos in Soil (GAMAS) – Semi-quantitative (0.001% w/w)
Identification of asbestos in building materials such as fibre cement, vermiculite, insulation materials and vinyl tiles; dust; swabs; and soil; using Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM) and Dispersion Staining (DS) techniques by use of requisite refractive index oils according to the Australian Standard™ AS4964-2004 method.
Asbestos Fibre Count – Air Filters
- Amount of Fibres (F/fields)
- Concentration of Fibres (F/mL)
Analysis of asbestos fibres in air, per the Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres [NOHSC: 3003 (2005)].
Asbestos Volume Air Measurement Training
Our asbestos experts can provide you with Asbestos Volume Air Measurement training in accordance with the NATA Life Sciences - Annex, Asbestos sampling and testing. The training is a service to our Asbestos Testing customers where one of our Senior technical asbestos staff with present theoretical and practical aspects of the Specific Accreditation Criteria will, for an agreed rate. Bookings are essential and can be conducted face-to-face or via Teams.
Calibration Check of Asbestos Air-Monitoring Equipment
We can perform calibration checks of asbestos air-monitoring pumps and flowmeters and provide calibration certificates for a nominal charge.
Mobile Asbestos Laboratory
Our state-of-the-art mobile laboratory based in Sydney is NATA accredited for asbestos analysis in air (including volume air measurement), building materials and dust samples.
This one-of-a-kind mobile laboratory is available for hire and can be mobilised to site with qualified analysts to provide real-time results for your project. Bookings are essential.
Our team of asbestos specialists have a wealth of experience in undertaking asbestos analysis. To discuss your asbestos requirements contact our team at EnviroSales@eurofins.com