EVALUATION OF LIFT AND PASSIVE SAMPLING METHODS DURING ASBESTOS ABATEMENT ACTIVITIES

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.