SURFACE SAMPLING ANALYSIS
Wipes / Swabs sample can be analysed via TEM using the ASTM6480 method. This method allows the analyst to deliver a quantitative result for a bulk sample. The preparation is about putting the whole sample into an ultrasonic bath filled with a mix of water and acetic acid to release all potential fibres in the […]
TALCUM POWDER
Talcum powder: the reason why children’s crayons can be contaminated with asbestos fibres. Crayons manufacturers often use talc as a binder in the wax. Unfortunately, the talc can be contaminated with asbestos fibres as asbestos and talc can be found near each other in mines. In this example, the sample was first analysed using PLM […]
WILDFIRE SOOT
Have you ever wondered what Soot looks like when magnified x 300,000? As detailed in ASTM D6602, TEM analysis when combined with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) can be used to confirm the presence of Soot on surfaces before or after cleaning. Soot shows the presence of aciniform particles (grape like structures). Primary particle perimeters are […]
FIBRES DIMENSION & DISEASES
Critical fibre dimensions for asbestos induced diseases: “The critical fibre dimensions for #mesothelioma are a diameter <0.1 µm and a length of 5-10 µm. The thinner asbestos fibres can reach deep inside the alveoli due to their aerodynamic characteristics and are transported to the pleural surfaces through penetration of epithelial cell wall.” Ref.: Lippman, M., […]
ASBESTOS CONTAINING MASTIC
Asbestos containing mastic identified to the window surround in a 1990’s Government Building. This mastic was found to contain a large number of Chrysotile Asbestos fibres when analysed using TEM at 11,000 x magnification. EDS analysis and electron diffraction to determine the crystalline structure. When analysed using PLM no asbestos was detected in this sample.
WELCOME!
Welcome to COHLABS-TEM website! You will find here all the information related to our activity around Transmission Electron Microscopy in the filed of asbestos mainly but not only. If you have any inquiry please do not hesitate to contact us so we can advice you on how to proceed and what you should expect from […]