Asbestos analysis

Asbestos test: We examine these materials for asbestos and this is how you commission an analysis

In our descriptive video, we explain step by step how you can order an asbestos analysis from us. Find out which materials we test for asbestos and how the process works.

Where in the house do asbestos or artificial mineral fibres occur?

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a collective name for a group of natural, fibrous silicate minerals. These fibers are characterized by their exceptional tensile strength, heat resistance and resistance to chemical influences. Due to these excellent properties, asbestos was used in numerous products and materials, especially in construction, until the 1990s.

Why is asbestos so dangerous?

Asbestos is dangerous due to its fibrous structure and the associated health risks. The individual asbestos fibres are virtually invisible to the naked eye.

If asbestos fibres are released – for example through damage, ageing or improper handling of materials containing asbestos – they can be inhaled and lead to serious diseases in the lungs, which are often not detected until years or decades later.

A common consequence is asbestosis, a hardening and scarring of the lung tissue that restricts respiratory function. Asbestos is also carcinogenic and can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma (tumors of the chest or peritoneum).

Artificial mineral fibres (AMF), which have been used as substitutes for asbestos, are also not harmless. Studies show that they can also pose similar health risks.

When was asbestos used?

Asbestos has been used extensively in Germany since the 1930s. Especially in the 1950s to 1980s, the use of asbestos experienced a peak. During this time, it has been used in numerous construction products, including roof and façade panels, piping, flooring such as "floor flex panels" or "cushion vinyl", plasters, fillers and tile adhesives.

It was not until the 1970s that the health risks of asbestos were increasingly recognised. In Germany, a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of asbestos and products containing asbestos came into force on 31 October 1993.

Where in the house are asbestos or artificial mineral fibres found?

Find out where potentially asbestos-containing materials could be located in your home by using the materials finder through our materials library. The interactive graphic "Asbestos in the house" also shows you where asbestos compounds are most common.

Advantages of the asbestos analysis by means of SEM/EDX

• Short processing time, as a rule 3 days after sample receipt
• Reliable analysis by scanning electron microscopy, SEM and X-ray micro analysis, EDX
• Court-proof analysis
• Accredited test procedures, regular participation in collaborative studies

Important links:

• Notes on sampling and shipping samples for asbestos analysis
• Round-robin tests asbestos

Procedure for detecting asbestos

As an experienced materials analysis laboratory, CRB uses reliable and precise techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microanalysis (EDX) to determine asbestos for a wide variety of samples.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

With scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we can visualize the microscopic fibers of asbestos in your sample. This method allows a detailed view of the fibers, including their length, thickness, and structural features.

The SEM method uses a focused electron beam that scans over the sample. This generates high-resolution images that make it possible to reliably identify asbestos even in very fine particles or highly fragmented samples.

X-ray microanalysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX)

X-ray microanalysis (EDX) is often used in combination with SEM. Here, characteristic X-rays are emitted by the interaction of the electron beam with the sample. The analysis of these X-rays makes it possible to determine the chemical composition of the sample, as each element has a unique X-ray spectrum.

Depending on the type of material in your sample and the expected asbestos concentration, we carry out different preparation and analysis methods. As a private customer, you do not have to worry about choosing the appropriate method when ordering an asbestos test. We take care of that for you.

Advantages of asbestos testing using SEM/EDX  

• Fast processing time, approx. 3-4 working days after sample receipt
• Reliable analysis using scanning electron microscopy, SEM & X-ray microanalysis, EDX
• Court-proof test report
• Accredited test methods, regular participation in proficiency tests for asbestos analysis

Asbestos analysis procedure: How to order an asbestos test

Commissioning an asbestos analysis from CRB is simple: you first select the material online and give your sample a unique designation. You then take a sample of the suspect material, pack it airtight, label the sample with the same sample designation and send the sample to our laboratory. Padded envelopes are particularly suitable for the safe shipment of the sample (further information on safe sampling and sample dispatch). Depending on the postal delivery time, your shipment will reach us the next day.

As soon as we have received the sample, we will analyze it and within 3 to 4 working days after receipt of the sample, you will receive a court-proof test report by e-mail.

Please note that CRB does not evaluate the results of the assay or make any evaluation recommendations. If you have any questions about the results, please feel free to contact us. If you would like a professional assessment, you are also welcome to contact us: We will then put you in touch with a competent contact person in your area who can advise you further.

Result of the asbestos analysis: What information does the test report provide?

There are two possible results in an asbestos analysis:

(a) 'containing asbestos: yes' with a classification into quantity classes, or

b) "Asbestos not proven".

In the event of a negative result ("asbestos not proven"), the detection limits specified in the test report are also relevant. Depending on the type of material, the homogeneity and the expected asbestos concentration, different preparation techniques and types of examination are used for the examination of the material samples. You can read more information about the resulting different detection limits here.

Further information on the analysis of material samples and dust samples in accordance with guidelines VDI 3866 sheet 5:2017-06, VDI 3877 sheet 1

Asbestos can be found in residential buildings. The following list is certainly not complete. You can find examples of testing different materials under menu item case studies asbestos analysis.

• Price lists asbestos analysis in bulk materials, dust samples
• Instructions regarding asbestos sampling and sample shipment

Analysis of filters from ambient air and workplace measurements, analysis of liquids on asbestos and man-made mineral fibres according to guidelines VDI 3492 / VDI 3861 part 2 / BGI 505-46 / ISO 14966.

Ambient air measurements in accordance with VDI 3492, ISO 14966

In accordance with 

• the asbestos guidelines of the German federal states (“Guideline for the evaluation of weakly bound asbestos containing products – indoors" - GER)

Determining the numerical concentration of inorganic fibrous particles in indoor air is necessary to guarantee the success of refurbishment measures and show if preliminary measures have been successful. 

These measurements are carried out according to:

• guideline VDI 3492 “ indoor air measurement – ambient air measurement – measurement of inorganic fibrous particles – scanning electron microscopy method”.
   

Workplace measurements in accordance with DGUV information 213-546 (previously BGI 505-46)

In accordance with the guidelines of

• the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA): Asbestos : regulations for the protection of employees in the Federal Republic of Germany

as well as European Regulations

• Regulation (EC) No 148/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work

workplace measurements in accordance with the German Statutory Accident Insurance

• DGVU information 213-546, previously BGI 505-46, ZH1/120.46 respectively: Air monitoring methods for the separate determination of the concentration of respirable inorganic fibres in working places – SEM method

are obligatory.
 

Emission measurements according to guideline VDI 3861

Determination of low numerical concentrations of inorganic fibrous particles in dry particle-gas-mixtures, e.g. in chimneys, pipes or ducts in accordance with

• Guideline VDI 3861, part 2 “Stationary source emissions: Measurement of inorganic fibrous particles in exhaust gas – Scanning electron microscopy method”.
   

Asbestos in liquids

The analysis for asbestos in liquids is made following VDI guideline 3492 “ indoor air measurement – ambient air measurement – measurement of inorganic fibrous particles – scanning electron microscopy method”.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of asbestos-containing plasters, fillers and tile adhesives according to the guidelines VDI 3866, sheet 5:2017-06, IFA / BIA method 7487, discussion paper VDI / Gesamtverband Schadstoffsanierung, SBH method.

The 'SBH-method'

The SBH-method is a procedure developed by the  Schulbau Hamburg and has been successfully implemented to analyse potentially asbestos-containing plasters and fillers. Single or mixed samples are prepared by ashing at 400° C and acid treatment in order to concentrate the asbestos content in the sample.

In July, 2015 the SBH-method was accounted for and described in the draft of the recast of guideline VDI 3866. It was enlarged upon in the discussion paper Diskussionspapier des VDI und Gesamtverband Schadstoffsanierung e.V. zu Erkundung, Bewertung und Sanierung asbesthaltiger Putze, Spachtelmassen und Fliesenkleber in Gebäuden von Juni 2015 (“On exploration, evaluation and restructuring of asbestos-containing plasters, fillers and tile adhesives in buildings”, published 2015 by VDI and Gesamtverband Schadstoffsanierung e.V.).

We have been analysing critical materials for years using this preparation and examination method and have gained plenty of experience.

Concealed products like plasters, fillers and tile adhesives

Recently, concealed products plasters, fillers and tile adhesives have been shifted into the focus of attention. Very often small amounts of asbestos were added in order to improve their processing properties.

Therefore, today these asbestos-containing areas are hidden behind wallpapers or only traces can be found like for example in the case of sealed cable slots.

These concealed products pose a serious impact on health to everyone who accidentally works on them with hand or machine tools or in case of improper processing as it may lead to an enormous release of fibres.

In particular those houses are under suspicion that were built, modernized or rehabilitated even after the introduction of the absolute ban on asbestos in 1993, but at least to the year 1995.

A comprehensive description presenting the current state of knowledge is available under:

Diskussionspapier des VDI und Gesamtverband Schadstoffsanierung e.V. zu Erkundung, Bewertung und Sanierung asbesthaltiger Putze, Spachtelmassen und Fliesenkleber in Gebäuden von Juni 2015  (discussion paper on exploration, evaluation and restructuring of asbestos-containing plasters, fillers and tile adhesives in buildings from 2015).

Special demands on the laboratory analysis

Plasters, fillers and tile adhesives to be tested partially contain amounts of asbestos lower than 1%, the asbestos in the samples is present in a polymer matrix or the asbestos is covered by polymer materials. For this reason sample material for laboratory analysis must be prepared by homogenisation, ashing and acid treatment.

In order to reduce the analysis costs it makes sense to prepare mixed samples like mentioned in SBH-method, an analytical regulation that has already been introduced for the examination of school buildings in the Hanseatic City of Hamburg. This procedure however leads to a further dilution of the asbestos contents in the sample. The solution is to apply a procedure with a detection limit lower than 0.01 % by weight.

Analytical options for the analysis for asbestos in plasters, fillers and tile adhesives

We offer three suitable testing procedures based on VDI 3866, part 5, annex B:2017-06. VDI 3866 complies with standards of the IFA / BIA procedure 7487:1997-04 and ISO 22262-2:2014-09.

1. Qualitative analysis in accordance with VDI 3866, part 5, annex B:2017-06: Preparation by ashing, acid treatment, filtration of a suspension through a sample collection filter. Result: Qualitative with an estimation of the asbestos percentage in accordance with the classes of mass percentage of draft VDI 3866, part 5.
2. Quantitative analysis in accordance with VDI 3866, part 5, annex B:2017-06 based on IFA / BIA procedure 7487: Preparation by ashing, acid treatment, filtration of a suspension through a sample collection filter. Result: Quantitative with an indication of the asbestos concentration in mass percentage. Detection limit comparable to IFA / BIA procedure 7487 (0.008%)
3. Quantitative analysis in accordance with VDI 3866, part 5, annex B:2017-06 considering the extended specifications of the VDI and Gesamtverband Schadstoffsanierung e.V. discussion paper on asbestos containing plasters…” from 06/2015: Preparation: mixed sample, ashing, acid treatment, filtration of a suspension through a sample collection filter. Detection limit < 0,008 %. Result: quantitative with an indication of the asbestos concentration in mass percentage. Detection limit < 0.008%

Standards, guidelines concerning asbestos analysis

Freely available guidelines like 'Technische Regeln für den Umgang mit Gefahrstoffen, TRGS', can be found in our

► Download-area.

Analysis of bulk materials, dust samples

• ISO 22262-1:2012-07 - Air quality - Bulk materials - Part 1: Sampling and qualitative determination of asbestos in commercial bulk materials
• ISO 22262-2:2014-09 - Air quality - Bulk materials - Part 2: Quantitative determination of asbestos by gravimetric and microscopical methods
• DIN ISO 22309:2015-11 - Microbeam analysis - Quantitative analysis using energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) for elements with an atomic number of 11 (Na) or above.
• VDI 3866 Blatt 1:2000-12 - Determination of asbestos in technical products - Principle - Sampling and sample preparation
• VDI 3866 Blatt 5:2004-10 - Determination of asbestos in technical products - Scanning electrone microscopy method
• VDI 3866 Blatt 5:2017-06 - Determination of asbestos in technical products - Scanning electrone microscopy method
• VDI 3877 Blatt 1:2011-09 - Indoor air pollution - Measurement of fibrous dust on settled on surfaces - Sampling and analysis (SEM/EDX)
• VDI 3877 Blatt 2:2014-12 - Indoor pollution - Measurement of fibrous dusts settled on surfaces - Sampling strategy and assessment of results
• IFA / BIA 7487 (IFA-Arbeitsmappe, Kennzahl 7487):1997-04 - Method for the analytical determination of low mass contents of asbestos fibres in powders, powder and dusts with SEM/EDX

Analysis of filters from ambient air, liquids

• ISO 14966:2002-11 - Ambient air - Determination of numerical concentration of inorganic fibrous particles - Scanning electron microscopy method
• VDI 3492:2013-06 - Indoor air measurement - Ambient air measurement - Measurement of inorganic fibrous particles - Scanning electron microscopy method
• VDI 3861 Blatt 2:2008-01 - Stationary source emissions - Measurement of inorganic fibrous particles in exhaust gas - Scanning electron microscopy method
• DGUV Information 213-546 (former BGI 505-46 resp. ZH1/120.46) - Analytical method for the separate determination of concentrations of respirable inorganic fibres in working areas - Scanning electron microscopy method

Guidelines

• TRGS 517:2013-02 - Tätigkeiten mit potenziell asbesthaltigen mineralischen Rohstoffen und daraus hergestellten Gemischen und Erzeugnissen
• TRGS 519:2014-01 - Asbest: Abbruch-, Sanierungs- oder Instandhaltungsarbeiten
• TRGS 905:2016-03 - Verzeichnis krebserzeugender, keimzellmutagener oder reproduktionstoxischer Stoffe
• Gefahrstoffverordnung: 2015-03 - Verordnung zum Schutz vor Gefahrstoffen (Gefahrstoffverordnung – GefStoffV)

Additional information

• NGS - Leaflet on the disposal of tar-containing road debris, as of 12/2019 (german)
• NGS - Leaflet on the disposal of waste containing asbestos, as of 01/2019 (german)
• Umweltbundesamt - Information on the subject of asbestos (german)