Contact: Catarina Wernlund

To find out if a test sample contains asbestos
fibres we utilize a polarized light microscope with
phase contrast (PLM). In our work we follow national
and international method descriptions.
In preparing the sample we use special imbedding
fluids with a defined refractive index for each type of
asbestos. In a microscope examination of the sample
we determine the properties and appearance of a fibre,
and from this the occurrence of asbestos can be
determined.

If you suspect that an asbestos contamination has
occured, for instance during an asbestos removal,
or in other ways have contaminated materials,
an analysis can be performed following Safe Controls
technical instruction; "asbestos contamination".
Dust and air samples are analysed using a Scanning
Electron Microscope (SEM). Airborne asbestos fibres
are extremely thin but by using a SEM the image can
be enlarged several thousand times.