Asbestos Laboratory

Bulk materials that may contain asbestos Laboratory

The laboratories Enviro-Option offer asbestos analysis in a quick time period not exceeding 72 hours. The samples are analyzed by professionals certified by the IRRST (Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et Sécurité au Travail).

The Laboratories Enviro-Option use the analytical method IRSST 244-3. This method consists in the identification of asbestos fibers in bulk materials or dust via optical polarized light microscopy (PLM).

Our laboratories accredited by the IRSST (list of laboratories recognized by the IRSST) the are also the BAPAT (Bulk Asbestos Proficiency Analytical Testing) Program, a program supported by the AIHA Proficiency Analytical Testing Programs, which aims to assess the independent laboratories on their skills to analyze the bulk materials and dust for the identification of asbestos fibers via the criteria to both qualitative and semi-quantitative.

The bulk materials, for example a tile or the vermiculite insulation will be previously inspected by a certified professional with the aid of a stereoscopic microscope. On these materials, the fibers will be levied and observed with polarised light microscop in order to be identified according to their morphology and their observable properties to then be classified as asbestos fibers. Afterwards, found among other, the type chrysotile, actinolite, tremolite, crocidolite, amosite and anthophyllite. The results for the identification of asbestos fibers are usually expressed as well "detected" or "not detected" with an estimate of the concentration of fibers in percentage ( % ). The material analysis must be regarded as containing asbestos when its concentration (volume/volume) of asbestos fibers is at least 0,1 % (reference value). Also, the presence of asbestos in a material at concentrations of greater than or equal to this value must be disclosed, under the Hazardous Products Act.

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