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RESEARCH METHOD FOR SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF FIBROUS AMPHIBOLE IN VERMICULITE ATTIC INSULATION
Citation:
Beard, M. E., G M. Shaul*, AND R C. Wilmoth*. RESEARCH METHOD FOR SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF FIBROUS AMPHIBOLE IN VERMICULITE ATTIC INSULATION. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-04/004 (NTIS PB2004-102559), 2004.
Impact/Purpose:
Information
Description:
NRMRL hosted a meeting on July 17-18, 2003 entitled, "Analytical Method for Bulk Analysis of Vermiculite." The purpose of this effort was to produce an interim research method for use by U.S. EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) for the analysis of bulk vermiculite for asbestos and other fibrous amphiboles from vermiculite attic insulation (VAI). This method was intended for use by ORD in prioritizing candidate residences for a proposed ORD research study of VAI in residences. This method provides an approach to determine the percentage of fibrous amphibole present in VAI. This analytical method incorporates a procedure by which fibrous amphibole can be separated from the bulk material, without generating additional fine fibers by crushing or grinding of the material.
The meeting consisted of an invited panel of outside experts: Eric Chatfield, Chatfield Technical Consulting, Ltd.; Greg Meeker, United States Geological Survey; James Millette, MVA Inc.; and Jeanne Orr, Reservoirs Environmental, Inc., with Michael Beard, Research Triangle Institute serving as the meeting facilitator. Representatives from a variety of EPA Offices included ORD, National Environmental Investigations Center (NEIC), Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER), and Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS) as well as EPA Region 8. Beyond EPA, federal and state governments were represented by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety, (NIOSH) and New York State Department of Health.
The method addresses the following general topics: sampling, sample preparation, equipment and apparatus, analysis, criteria for identification, fiber/structure definitions, data reporting, quality assurance procedures, validation of methods, reference standards, and proficiency testing/audit programs.