Laboratory Analysis

Asbestos

Since 1987, Applied Environmental, Inc. has offered fully accredited asbestos analytical services. Our in-house laboratory maintains a fast turnaround time for priority analysis within a few hours. This ability to provide a quick response is a valuable asset for clients with emergency or other critical analytical requirements.

Our asbestos bulk analysts are trained by the McCrone Research Institute and have over 21 years of combined experience in the analysis of asbestos bulk samples. Our Phase Contrast Microscopy analysts have successfully completed a NIOSH-582 or equivalent course to analyze air samples.

Particle Identification

Do you know what's in your building? The Applied Environmental, Inc. analytical laboratory offers particle identification analysis. Particle identification

analysis is significant in identifying building particles and how they could be affecting building occupants resulting in allergic reactions or irritations. These particles are commonly found in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and can compromise indoor air quality that may be biological in nature.

Samples collected from buildings that are cause for concern are examined using polarized light microscopy (PLM). An example of what you can expect in your particle analysis may include some or all of the following:

Nuisance Particulate:

  • Asbestos
  • Fibrous glass
  • Mineral wools
  • Ceramic fibers
  • Glass fragments

    • Common Particulate:

  • Hairs
  • Starches
  • Synthetic fibers
  • Processed and natural cellulose

    • Biological Particulate:

  • Fungal spores
  • Pollen
  • Insect fragments

    • Additional Particulate:

  • Plastics
  • Combusted materials
  • Metal fragments
  • Carbonates
  • CaCO3
  • Paint fragments
  • Soil-derived minerals

    • Laboratory credentials include:

  • Accreditation by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology's National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) - Laboratory ID # 101611-0 for the analyses of bulk samples for the determination of asbestos content by Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) utilizing EPA methodologies.
  • American Industrial Hygeiene Association (AIHA) AIHA Accreditation for Airborne Fiber Analysis using current NIOSH 7400 methods through the use of Phase Contrast Microscopy.
  • AIHA Accreditation - Laboratory ID # 100507 - for air sample analysis,
  • Over 15 years of successful participation in the AIHA Proficiency Analytical Testing (PAT) program for analysis for airborne fiber samples, as well as the AIHA Asbestos Analyst Registry for qualification to analyze airborne fiber samples on-site.
  • AIHA Asbestos Analyst Registry ( AAR) Accreditation for Field Asbestos Analysis
  • Analytical Laboratory Licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • Development and participation in intra-laboratory Quality Assurance Program.

    • Contact Roger L. Loy, Jr., Laboratory Manager, at (703) 648-0822 or e-mail