An RJLG article highlighting the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) for characterizing the chemistry, crystallography, and morphology of asbestos and non-asbestos particles in complex mixed mineral dust was recently accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed book titled "Modern Research and Educational Topics in Microscopy" (Formatex Microscopy Book Series, No. III).
Recent breakthroughs in SEM technology have made FESEM a common and reliable tool in analytical laboratories and have allowed significant advances in the characterization of mineral fibers. The article, authored by Karen Harris, Kristin Lee Bunker, Brian Strohmeier, Reuven Hoch, and Rich Lee, is the first time a detailed and comprehensive FESEM morphological characterization method has been described in the literature for supplementing TEM analyses of asbestos.
The article demonstrated that FESEM is a valuable complementary tool to TEM for characterizing the morphology and surface characteristics of amphibole mineral particles suspected to be asbestos. The added benefits of FESEM have helped RJLG and the geological and microscopy communities better understand the morphology of the asbestiform and non-asbestiform amphibole minerals in a number of important studies. Complete characterization of the components present in mixed mineral dust on a particle-by-particle basis using a complementary TEM/FESEM protocol will aid in: 1) developing new and improved standard analytical procedures, 2) interpretation of epidemiological data and assessment of potential health risks, and 3) development of sound regulatory policies.
The book is expected to be published late Summer 2007. Preprints of the RJLG article can be obtained by contacting info@rjlg.com
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