PCM Asbestos Air Analysis
Advanced Airborne Asbestos Analysis Using TEM
Asbestos Air Analysis Built for Remediation Projects
Asbestos remediation firms need air-sample results they can use to monitor work conditions, document project performance, and keep abatement work moving.
Environmental Testing Laboratories, Inc. (ETL) provides Phase Contrast Microscopy, commonly called PCM, for asbestos air samples collected during remediation and occupational exposure-monitoring projects.
PCM Asbestos Air Analysis
PCM is a widely used method for determining the concentration of fibers collected on an air-sampling cassette. ETL analyzes asbestos air samples following NIOSH Method 7400 and provides clear results for remediation contractors, consultants, industrial hygienists, and air-monitoring professionals.
Air Monitoring Throughout the Abatement Process
Air samples may be collected before work begins, during removal activities, outside regulated areas, or after asbestos work is complete. The monitoring plan and appropriate analytical method should be established by the project consultant or other qualified professional.
Personal Exposure Monitoring
Samples collected in a worker’s breathing zone can help document airborne fiber concentrations associated with asbestos work activities.
Area and Perimeter Monitoring
Air samples may be collected inside work areas, near containment boundaries, or in adjacent occupied spaces to monitor project conditions.
Final Clearance
PCM may be used for final clearance when it is the method specified by the project design, governing requirement, or qualified project professional.
Fiber Concentration Analysis Using PCM
During PCM analysis, a portion of the air-sampling filter is prepared and examined under a phase contrast microscope. Fibers meeting the method’s counting criteria are counted and used to calculate the airborne fiber concentration.
Information Needed for Analysis
- Sample identification: Assign a unique identifier to every air cassette.
- Project information: Provide the project name, location, and relevant sampling area.
- Flow rate: Record the airflow rate used during sample collection.
- Sampling time: Provide the total number of minutes the pump operated.
- Total air volume: Include the calculated volume of air collected for each sample.
- Monitoring purpose: Identify whether the sample represents personal, area, perimeter, background, or clearance monitoring.
Important Limitation of PCM
PCM counts fibers that meet the method’s dimensional criteria, but it does not positively identify every counted fiber as asbestos. Non-asbestos fibers meeting those criteria may also be included in the reported concentration.
Choosing Between PCM and TEM
PCM and Transmission Electron Microscopy provide different types of information. The correct method depends on the project, applicable requirements, and the level of analytical detail needed.
PCM Analysis
- Reports airborne fiber concentration
- Widely used for exposure monitoring
- Supports active remediation projects
- Does not identify every fiber as asbestos
TEM Analysis
- Provides asbestos-specific identification
- Evaluates smaller structures
- Provides greater analytical sensitivity
- Required for certain AHERA clearances
Not Sure Which Method Your Project Needs?
ETL can explain the analytical differences between PCM and TEM. The project consultant or other qualified professional should determine which method and clearance criteria apply to the project.
Laboratory Support for Remediation Firms
ETL supports individual abatement projects as well as firms submitting asbestos air samples regularly. Our laboratory understands that analytical results may affect work schedules, containment decisions, and project closeout.
Active Abatement
Analysis supporting personal, area, and perimeter monitoring during asbestos removal.
Project Clearance
PCM analysis for final clearance when specified for the project.
Project Records
Clear laboratory reporting for daily monitoring records, compliance files, and closeout documentation.
Submitting PCM Air Samples to ETL
PCM air samples may be mailed or delivered directly to ETL. Each submission should include a completed Chain of Custody with the information needed to calculate and report the results.
Prepare Your PCM Submission
- Select “Air (PCM)” under the asbestos analysis section.
- Clearly label every cassette to match the Chain of Custody.
- Provide the airflow rate and sampling time for each sample.
- Include the total air volume collected.
- Identify the sample as personal, area, perimeter, background, or clearance.
- Include field blanks required by the applicable sampling plan or method.
- Contact ETL before submitting time-sensitive samples or large project batches.
Mail or deliver samples to:
Environmental Testing Laboratories
37575 W. Huron River Drive
Romulus, Michigan 48174
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PCM asbestos air analysis?
When is PCM used during an asbestos remediation project?
How is TEM different from PCM asbestos analysis?
See How We’ve Helped Similar Clients
- All
- Analytical Services
- Environmental Services
- Industrial Hygiene
- State & Local
- Training Case Studies
