Abstract
Inadvertent inhalation of asbestos fibers and the subsequent development of incurable cancers is a leading cause of work-related deaths worldwide. Currently, there is no real-time in situ method for detecting airborne asbestos. We describe an optical method that seeks to address this deficiency. It is based on the use of laser light scattering patterns to determine the change in angular alignment of individual airborne fibers under the influence of an applied magnetic field. Detection sensitivity estimates are given for both crocidolite (blue) and chrysotile (white) asbestos. The method has been developed with the aim of providing a low-cost warning device to trades people and others at risk from inadvertent exposure to airborne asbestos.
Highlights
Inadvertent inhalation of carcinogenic asbestos fibers disturbed by demolition or maintenance work has become a leading cause of work related deaths throughout the industrialized world
Filters are subsequently removed for examination by phase contrast light microscopy (PCM) to count fibers having predefined length and minimum aspect ratio within grid areas
In certain geometries referred to as Two-dimensional Angular Optical Scattering (TAOS), has attracted considerable attention for particle characterization in environmental, occupational and meteorological fields where a rapid assessment of the morphology of an airborne particle can lead to particle classification and in some cases particle identification
Summary
Inadvertent inhalation of carcinogenic asbestos fibers disturbed by demolition or maintenance work has become a leading cause of work related deaths throughout the industrialized world. Filters are subsequently removed for examination by phase contrast light microscopy (PCM) to count fibers having predefined length and minimum aspect ratio (typically 5 μm to 15 μm and 3:1 respectively) within grid areas This process can determine fiber concentration in the sampled air but cannot establish whether the fibers are asbestos or a less hazardous material such as, for example, mineral wool, glass, or gypsum, a common fibrous material widely used in building fabrics. To achieve unambiguous asbestos identification, the detected fibers must undergo crystallographic analysis by energy dispersive x-ray technology (EDAX) These counting and analysis procedures are laborious and expensive to perform, and perhaps most importantly, provide results only many hours after the sampling (and possible inadvertent exposure of personnel) has occurred.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
