Asbestos is the collective term for all natural, fibrous silicate minerals that can be used as technical materials after further processing. The fiber diameter of asbestos fibers is approximately 2 micrometers. The particular chemical resistance is also due to the extremely high tensile strength as well as elasticity and heat resistance up to about 1000°C. Good bonding ability with other materials is another reason asbestos was used from the 1930s in numerous products such as fiber cement, panels for building construction, brake and clutch linings, gaskets, and molding compounds.

It was clearly established in 1970 that asbestos is carcinogenic. Since then, its use in all products has been gradually banned. The extremely thin fibers break up into ever smaller fragments, making them easy to inhale. Asbestos fibers can remain in the lungs for a long time and irritate lung tissue. The result: so-called asbestosis or lung cancer can develop. The latency period, i.e., the time until disease onset, is comparatively long and can be up to 40 years. Therefore, exposure to asbestos fibers should be detected as early as possible.

The GBA Group offers asbestos analysis in Berlin and in Mönchengladbach using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Detection of Asbestos - VDI 3866 Part 5

Depending on the matrix, different detection limits should be chosen. For example, for fiber cements and insulating wools (Eternit sheets, asbestos cement, Floorflex boards, lightweight boards, cords, pipe insulation, mineral wool, rock wool, filters) we prepare direct mounts, achieving a detection limit of 1%. By an additional hot ashing overnight we achieve detection limits of 0.1% (roofing felts, gaskets, floor coverings, floor covering adhesives, putty, road surfaces, fibrous material, wood, soil, adhesive tape/imprint samples). By a subsequent acid treatment we can achieve detection limits down to 0.001%. This is applied, for example, when examining asbestos in roofing felts, plasters, fillers, adhesives, paint, joint compounds, tile adhesives, construction debris, and screed.

Quantitative asbestos analysis - VDI 3866 Part 5 Annex B and BIA 7487

In addition to the qualitative procedures, we offer two quantitative methods for asbestos analysis according to VDI 3866 Part 5 Annex B and BIA 7487 to determine the concentrations precisely. Which method is right for you must therefore be clarified on an individual basis. Our sales department and customer support at GBA Group will also be happy to assist you with this.

VDI 3492 - Indoor measurements according to VDI guideline 3492

Before a construction phase can be released after asbestos remediation, freedom from fibers must be demonstrated. We offer these clearance measurements after asbestos remediation at our asbestos laboratory in Berlin. As a rule, we set up the pumps in the afternoon and dismantle them the following morning after an 8-hour measurement period. The filter heads are brought directly to our Berlin laboratory so that we can provide the results on the same day. By offering sampling and asbestos analysis from a single source, prompt processing is ensured, allowing you to resume your construction work without delay. Because we design and build our pumps ourselves, as well as the filter heads, we can also carry out large projects with numerous parallel measurements for indoor air analysis.

Due to possible varying contaminant loads, the disposal of roofing felts can often be difficult. Therefore, an inspection report must be submitted that includes an asbestos and man-made mineral fiber (KMF) analysis with a detection limit significantly below 0.1 percent by weight; in addition, the content of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) must be stated.
It is important that sampling is carried out by an independent, competent person. If the roofing felt is still installed, this can be done by a roofer. If removed, a sampler from an accredited body must be commissioned. The GBA Group is accredited for sampling as well as analysis according to ISO 17025 and can therefore offer you the complete service from a single source. This allows you to dispose of your roofing felt waste properly.