Microscopical Identification of Asbestos (1608A), January 13–17, 2025 In-Person
“This class helped with the technical aspect of asbestos analysis” — Meredith O.
“I have a much better understanding of the mechanics and practices involved in this field.” — Marc W.
“I am much more comfortable with the scope and Infinitely more familiar with asbestos fibers than I was a week ago.” — Student Review
COURSE OUTLINE & SYLLABUS
Course schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Friday.
Using polarized light microscopy (PLM), students study crystallographic and optical properties of asbestos minerals, the various substances likely to occur (and often confused) with asbestos, and the procedures for sample preparation and fiber identification. Serpentine (chrysotile) and amphibole (amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite) asbestos varieties are included.
4.5 CM Credits
There is no prerequisite for this course.
Using polarized light microscopy (PLM), students study crystallographic and optical properties of asbestos minerals, the various substances likely to occur (and often confused) with asbestos, and the procedures for sample preparation and fiber identification. Serpentine (chrysotile) and amphibole (amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite) asbestos varieties are included.
4.5 CM Credits
There is no prerequisite for this course.
Day 1 – Optics and Image Formation
- Setting up the microscope
- Köhler illumination
- Micrometry
- Asbestos fiber and particle morphology
Day 2 – Optical Crystallography
- Single polar
- Measuring refractive indices
- Pleochroism
- Dispersion staining
Day 3 – Optical Crystallography
- Crossed polars
- Birefringence
- Sign of elongation
- Extinction characteristics
- Study of known asbestos fibers and other insulation components
Day 4
Study of known insulation
Day 5
Study of known insulation