The identification of asbestos

Abstract

SUMMARY Techniques are described for identifying and distinguishing between the six varieties of asbestos. When the fibres are large and numerous, as is the case for insulation materials, simple optical or X‐ray methods suffice. For environmental samples one must normally resort to electron microscopic techniques for a positive identification. When asbestiform minerals are to be distinguished from other fibrous silicates it is often necessary to use both electron diffraction and X‐ray spectrometry.