Identification and quantitation of airborne asbestos using infrared spectroscopy

Current methods for the detection and quantitation of airborne asbestos are either tedious, time consuming, subjective, or too expensive for routine analysis. A FT-IR spectroscopic method for the identification and quantitation of airborne asbestos samples provides a relatively inexpensive, fast, and non-subjective alternative for routine analysis.Three methods are investigated for the separation of the asbestos fibers from the matrix of the collection filter, (a mixed cellulose ester) for infrared analysis: spectral subtraction, chemical digestion, and ashing. Problems associated with the handling of asbestos (sample loss and contamination), and band anomalies encountered during spectral subtractions are discussed.Calibration curves are presented using the asbestos Si-O absorptions to quantitate the amount of asbestos. The spectral subtraction method yields linear calibration curves down to 0.3% asbestos by weight (6 mg) for tremolite asbestos. Tremolite and amosite asbestos calibration curves are linear down to 8 µg and 3 µg asbestos respectively using the ashing method.The spectral subtraction method and the ashing method are applied to NIOSH prepared PAT samples previously analyzed by phase contrast microscopy.The spectra are analyzed for asbestos by band identity, and once identified, quantitated from the appropriate calibration curve.Department of ChemistryThesis (M.S.