Advanced Asbestos Identification (1608B), September 21–25, 2026, In-Person
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.
In this advanced course, using polarized light microscopy (PLM), students learn to identify and differentiate among all asbestos fibers and fibrous substitutes through a review of basic theory and the inclusion of more advanced methods. Immersion techniques for refractive index measurement are emphasized, including the construction and interpretation of dispersion staining graphs. Various sample preparation and quantitation techniques are introduced, including gravimetric methods. Heated and chemically damaged samples, floor tiles, and other complex matrices are covered.
Airborne asbestos is covered in Asbestos Fiber Counting [NIOSH 582].
4.5 CM Credits
Course 1608A or the consent of the instructor is the prerequisite for this course.
In this advanced course, using polarized light microscopy (PLM), students learn to identify and differentiate among all asbestos fibers and fibrous substitutes through a review of basic theory and the inclusion of more advanced methods. Immersion techniques for refractive index measurement are emphasized, including the construction and interpretation of dispersion staining graphs. Various sample preparation and quantitation techniques are introduced, including gravimetric methods. Heated and chemically damaged samples, floor tiles, and other complex matrices are covered.
Airborne asbestos is covered in Asbestos Fiber Counting [NIOSH 582].
4.5 CM Credits
Course 1608A or the consent of the instructor is the prerequisite for this course.
Day 1
Review of techniques for measuring the matching wavelengths: retardation, birefringence, extinction angle, and sign of elongation
Day 2
- Study of asbestos look-alikes: mineral wool, ceramic fibers, talc fibers, pulped Kevlar, polyethylene, etc.
- Study of fibrous non-asbestos minerals: wollastonite, brucite, and double sulfates
- Study of non-fibrous serpentines and amphiboles
Day 3
- Study of weathered and heated asbestos
- Study of tough asbestos insulation samples illustrating above areas
Day 4
Practice in the above techniques and work on unknowns
Day 5
Practice in the above techniques and work on unknowns