EPA/600/R-93/116

This is a comprehensive method outlining various techniques for determining the asbestos concentration in bulk building materials. While predominantly a Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) method, other techniques such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are discussed as well.

The PLM method outlines two quantification techniques.  The first, and most widely employed is the visual estimate.  This works well for most sample types. 

Sample retention time - 60 days

reporting limit to <1%