Jh. Lange et al., EVALUATION OF LIFT AND PASSIVE SAMPLING METHODS DURING ASBESTOS ABATEMENT ACTIVITIES, Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology, 55(3), 1995, pp. 325-331
Traditionally, asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and abatement of AC
M have been evaluated through visual observations and air sampling (En
vironmental Protection Agency 1990). These techniques, although having
many beneficial aspects, have several limitations, e.g., time period
of monitoring for air samples, and have been suggested to be inappropr
iate under certain conditions for monitoring in-place ACM, e.g., long
term qualitative analysis of ACM deterioration (EPA 1990). Lift sampli
ng, i.e., using surface particulate adhesive samplers (SPAS), has been
suggested as an applicable and feasible methodology for evaluating th
e deposition of asbestos and other materials (e.g., lead) on indoor an
d outdoor surfaces, and spread and release during an episode in a buil
ding, (Lange et al. 1992, 1993, 1994). Passive (deposition) sampling (
a stationary sample plate with a SPAS) has also been reported to be us
eful in evaluating abatement practices and long-term monitoring of ACM
(Lange et al. 1994). By combining traditional practices (e.g., visual
observations) with surface (lift) and deposition sampling a more quan
titative assessment of in-place ACM, abatement and episodic events may
be feasible. This investigation evaluated SPAS and deposition samplin
g-during an asbestos abatement project in a school. Efficiency of SPAS
(surface or lift samples) was determined and a relationship with stat
ionary air samples was evaluated with deposition samplers (particulate
plates). The application of these methods for the asbestos abatement
industry is discussed.