Scanning Electron Microscopy (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 fitted a Hitachi S2600 SEM with an Oxford instruments X-max detector (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 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
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 maginfied 3500X
Refractory Ceramic Fibres
Refractory Ceramic Fibres (RCF) is a category 1 carcinogen and SEM/EDXA can be used to distinguish between RCF and other types of Machine Made Mineral Fibres (MMMF). This is another analysis for which IOM holds UKAS accreditation.
IOM's Service
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.