IDENTIFICATION OF ASBESTOS

Techniques are described for identifying and distinguishing between the 6 varieties of asbestos [chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite]. When the fibers are large and numerous, as is the case for insulation materials, simple optical or X-ray methods suffice. For environmental samples one must normally resort to electron microscopic techniques for a positive identification. When asbestiform minerals are to be distinguished from other fibrous silicates it is often necessary to use both electron diffraction and X-ray spectrometry. [There is increasing concern about the health hazard posed by the presence of asbestos and other fibers in air and drinking water.].