MAS Atlanta houses the largest independent asbestos analysis laboratory in the Southeast. Recognized as the industry leader, we provide bulk, water and air asbestos analysis for customers throughout the world. Our staff consists of eight full-time TEM, PLM and PCM analysts with a combined 100 years of analytical experience. Our scientists are frequently requested to speak and teach at environmental training courses and have played a vital role in shaping the standards for today’s TEM asbestos analysis protocols. These scientists are available to our clients for interpretation of results as part of our service. Among others, we follow ASTM, EPA, AHERA, ISO, NIOSH 7400 and NIOSH 7402 methodologies.

MAS participates in AIHA’s (Laboratory ID: 100655) Proficiency Analytical Testing (PAT) program for PCM asbestos fiber counting, as well as NVLAP’s Proficiency Testing program (Lab Code 101235-0) for bulk and airborne asbestos identification and quantification. Our lab is in compliance with International Standard ISO/IEC 17025 and has the following asbestos testing accreditations:

Below is a full list of asbestos services we provide:

MAS has analyzed hundreds of thousands of asbestos samples since 1988. We are open 7 days per week and offer same-day and 24-hour turnaround times. See our IH Sampling Manual and Price List for further information.

PCM/PLM

Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) is widely used to measure overall fiber concentrations of air samples. PCM analysis is typically fast and inexpensive, but it has some limitations. PCM typically cannot resolve fibers below 0.25 microns in diameter and cannot distinguish asbestos fibers from other fibers such as fiberglass and cellulose. As a result, a high fiber count does not indicate the presence of asbestos; likewise, a low fiber count does not indicate the sample is asbestos-free. For a conclusive identification of asbestos, see PLM below or TEM. MAS is AIHA-accredited (Laboratory ID: 100655) for PCM Asbestos Analysis and participates in AIHA’s (Laboratory ID: 100655) PAT program for PCM Asbestos fiber counts. We have six PCMs on-site to ensure consistently fast turnaround times, and all of our analysts have successfully passed the NIOSH 582 course.

Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) is most often used for bulk material analysis. Asbestos’ unique optical properties under polarized light help us conclusively determine the presence or absence of asbestos in most materials at concentrations greater than 0.5 wt %. Furthermore, PLM analysis can help us classify the type of asbestos present (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite, and Libby amphiboles). Using this technique, results are typically reported as a percentage of the total sample. Like PCM analysis, PLM analysis is economical and fast; however, for lower detection limits at trace levels, we recommend bulk TEM analysis. MAS is AIHA-accredited (Laboratory ID: 100655) for PLM Asbestos Analysis and NVLAP-accredited (Lab Code 101235-0) for Bulk Asbestos Analysis. Our PLM laboratory is supervised by a professionally registered geologist with an advanced degree in geology.

TEM

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) is the preferred technique for air, dust, soil and water asbestos analyses. It is the most sophisticated technology available for asbestos analysis and typically operates at magnifications in excess of 25,000X. TEM analysis is able to resolve fibers that cannot be resolved by PCM and PLM, and it is the most accurate technique for quantification and characterization of asbestos fibers. MAS employs NIOSH, AHERA, ISO and EPA methodologies and is NVLAP-accredited (Lab Code 101235-0) and AIHA-accredited (Laboratory ID: 100655) for Airborne Asbestos Analysis. We also participate in NVLAP’s (Lab Code 101235-0) Proficiency Testing program for Airborne Asbestos Analysis. MAS has several TEMs on-site, full-time analysts dedicated to TEM work, and an in-house instrument service team to ensure consistently fast turnaround times. In addition to TEM, we also perform Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques for larger samples asbestos particulate analysis. Our electron microscopy equipment is as follows:

Consulting

In addition to our analytical testing capabilities, MAS offers a full range of asbestos consulting services. We have four Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH) with over 100 years of experience on staff, as well as two AHERA-accredited inspectors. We offer comprehensive services such as: