IOM: Analytical Newsletter - Issue 2
IOM acquires new SEM
Scanning
Electron Microscopy (SEM) is a powerful method of imaging very small objects,
such as the dusts that may be inhaled into workers' lungs.
The IOM Analytical Laboratory has become the owner of a new Hitachi S2600 SEM
with an Oxford INCA X-sight EDXA (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis system).
SEM analysis can be used to examine particles, textures, structures and surface
features that are too small to see with ordinary optical microscopes. This
information can be combined with the elemental composition data obtained from
EDXA to provide a more definitive analysis.
Scanning Electron Microscopy and Asbestos
The SEM is of particular value in identifying and discriminating between traces of asbestos and other types of fibre.
Applications include:
- Identification and fibre concentration in airborne dust samples* and water
- Identification of fibres on wipe and bulk samples*
Plus
- Quantification e.g. asbestos in bulk materials including talc, vermiculite,
drugs and soils.
- Characterisation of powders and dusts etc (particle shape, size and composition)
- Characterisation & identification of building components & contaminants e.g. mineralogical composition and textural characteristics.
* We have UKAS Accreditation for these analyses
The IOM has the capability and the experience to provide high quality cost effective electron microscopy analysis. Discounted rates for large numbers of samples. Premium same/next day service available.
For further information, or to discuss your requirements in more detail, please contact:
Steve Clark, Senior Scientific Technician, +44 (0) 131 449 8059
Email: steve.clark@iom-world.org
Carol McIntosh, Laboratory Manager, +44 (0) 131 449 8071
Email: carol.mcintosh@iom-world.org
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Chrysotile asbestos in a sample of textured paint magnified 5000X
Airborne dust sample with Amosite (Brown) asbestos magnified 3000X
Wipe sample with chrysotile (White) asbestos magnified 3500X
IOM Headquarters
Research Avenue North, Riccarton, Edinburgh, EH14 4AP | Tel: +44 (0) 131 449 8052 | Fax: 0870 850 5132© 2008 IOM
Copyright © 2008 IOM