1.1This practice presents the procedure for determining the detection limit (DL)2 for measurements of fibers or structures3 using microscopy methods.

1.2This practice applies to samples of air that are analyzed either by phase contrast microscopy (PCM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and samples of dust that are analyzed by TEM.

1.3The microscopy methods entail counting asbestos structures and reporting the results as structures per cubic centimeter of air (str/cc) or fibers per cubic centimeter of air (f/cc) for air samples and structures per square centimeter of surface area (str/cm²) for dust samples.

1.4The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.