There is a concern on whether asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are being properly managed and assessed in schools for potential damage or disturbance and the extent to which teachers and pupils could be inhaling asbestos fibres.

Current analysis of air fibres using Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) has a limit of detection wholly unsuitable for risk assessment in an occupied environment and is only really valid for asbestos removal monitoring. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) measurement and analysis, on the other hand, enables the fibre levels to be detected to much lower levels.

SEM is invaluable for the detailed sampling of ambient or indoor air where the anticipated fibre levels are low or for periodic monitoring of areas to check the potential cumulative exposure on teachers, pupils and those using the premises. This infographic explains the benefits of SEM against the industry-standard technique PCM, and why SEM should be used to provide a true reading.

You can click on this infographic to view a larger version.