Quantitative X-ray diffraction analysis for airborne asbestos dust in industrial environment. 1. Application of X-ray absorption correction method.

Abstract

The quantitative analysis of standard asbestos (chrysotile) for airborne asbeatos dust in industrial environments was performed by X-ray diffraction technique combined with a X-ray absorption correction method. Through this investigation, it was revealed that airborne asbestos (chrysotile) of 5 to 50 μg per cm2 mounted on a silver membrane filter could be quantitatively measured with high accuracy when an airborne dust sample contained 1 to 10% of chrysotile (w/w) in any matrix by this correction method. When an airborne dust sample was composed of pure or nearly pure chrysotile, the quantitative analysis could be done up to 5 mg per cm2. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that the X-ray absorption correction method is quite useful for determination of airbon asbestos dust in industrial environment and without knowledge on the kind and the percentage of matrix existing in an airborne dust sample, the true weight of chrysotile could be obtained in the range of 5 to 50 μg per cm2.By considering that quantitative range, sampling condition, especially sampling air volume, was evaluated. As the diffraction intensity of chrysotile is fairly sensitive to physical and chemical condition of preparation, a proposal for making a standard sample was also cited.