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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR FIBROUS AMPHIBOLE IN VERMICULITE ATTIC INSULATION
Citation:
Beard, M. E., G M. Shaul*, AND R C. Wilmoth*. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR FIBROUS AMPHIBOLE IN VERMICULITE ATTIC INSULATION. Presented at 2004 Environmental Information Association (EIA), Las Vegas, NV, March 20 - 25, 2004.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public
Description:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has developed a test method for the analysis of fibrous amphibole in vermiculite attic insulation. This method was developed to provide the Agency with monitoring tools to study the occurrence and potential for exposure to fibrous amphibole associated primarily with vermiculite attic insulation produced from mines in the Libby, Montana area. The method is based upon information provided by several experts who have been active in monitoring these materials, and it is being considered by the Agency for use in an assessment of the exposure potential to fibrous amphibole from such insulation materials. The method employs a separation of amphibole from vermiculite using a flotation procedure. Vermiculite will float in a water suspension while the denser amphibole will sink. Fibrous amphibole particles will be separated from the material that sinks. The presence of fibrous amphibole is then confirmed using available polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, or transmission electron microscopy protocols. The liquid used for the flotation may also be analyzed for fine fibrous amphibole using either scanning electron microscopy or transmission electron microscopy.