This document specifies a method using scanning electron microscopy for determination of the concentration of inorganic fibrous particles in the air. The method specifies the use of gold-coated, capillary-pore, track-etched membrane filters, through which a known volume of air has been drawn. Using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, the method can discriminate between fibres with compositions consistent with those of the asbestos varieties (e.g. serpentine and amphibole), gypsum, and other inorganic fibres. Annex C provides a summary of fibre types which can be measured.
This document is applicable to the measurement of the concentrations of inorganic fibrous particles in
ambient air. The method is also applicable for determining the numerical concentrations of inorganic
fibrous particles in the interior atmospheres of buildings, for example to determine the concentration
of airborne inorganic fibrous particles remaining after the removal of asbestos-containing products.Cross References:VDI 3492:2013-06VDI-Bericht 475ISO 10312VDI 3866-Part 5:2017-06VDI 3866All current amendments available at time of purchase are included with the purchase of this document.