IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Development of a New Approach to Improve the Identification and Quantification of Asbestos Fibres in the Air and in Bulk Materials

Abstract

In Québec, asbestos causes the highest number of deaths related to exposure to chemical substances at the workplace. The IRSST’s Laboratory Division offers an asbestos fibre analysis service to the CSST and its network. Current methods for characterizing and quantifying fibres use optical microscopes.

The objective of this study is to develop a new approach aimed at improving the identification and quantification of asbestos fibres in the air and in bulk materials using an electron microscope. In addition, the research will lead to the development of high-level expertise in asbestos fibre analysis.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 2010-0067
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2018
Team:
  • Martin Beauparlant (IRSST)
  • Gilles L'Espérance (Polytechnique Montréal)
  • Sébastien Sauvé (Université de Montréal)