New York State Asbestos Investigator Practice Exam

What laboratory method is typically employed for analyzing friable asbestos?

1. Transmission Electron Microscopy

2. Infrared Spectroscopy

3. Polarized Light Microscopy

4. X-ray Diffraction

The correct answer is: Polarized Light Microscopy

The typical laboratory method employed for analyzing friable asbestos is Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM). This technique is effective because it allows for the identification and quantification of asbestos fibers in various materials, particularly those that are friable, which means they can easily crumble and release fibers into the air. PLM utilizes polarized light to differentiate asbestos fibers based on their physical properties, making it a preferred method in asbestos analysis. In assessing the properties of friable asbestos, PLM is capable of identifying different types of asbestos, providing accurate and reliable results for regulatory compliance and health assessments. It is particularly effective because it can provide information about the fiber type and its concentration, which are critical in evaluating the potential risk associated with asbestos exposure. While other methods such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Infrared Spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction have their applications in asbestos analysis, they either require more complex sample preparations or are generally used for specific contexts. For instance, TEM offers detailed images at the nanometer scale but is often employed for crystalline materials or for quantifying particularly small asbestos fibers rather than for routine analysis of friable samples.