Protecting Iowans
The state of Iowa is diligent in its efforts to protect Iowans from harmful exposure and effects of asbestos. The state has a University Hygienic Laboratory (UHL) which has a section called environmental microscopy responsible for testing air samples for asbestos and identifying the type of asbestos mineral contained in the sample. The microscopists in this section uses many types of microscopes including polarized light asbestos microscopes, phase contrast asbestos microscopes, transmission electron asbestos microscopes and scanning electron asbestos microscopes. They do fiber counts in the sample as well as the identification of the seven known types of asbestos.
Common samples delivered to the laboratory are linoleums, floor tiles, wall plasters, and roof shingles. These samples are studied under asbestos microscopes to detect fibers of asbestos. Most asbestos containing materials in schools and public building have already been carefully removed after monitoring in the state of Iowa. Asbestos identification and monitoring in this state for the past ten years have been successful. Newer buildings and avenues use microscopy in solving indoor air problems.
The UHL’s environmental microscopy, according to the original article, has proof of three expertise.
First is its requirement of having materials suspected of containing asbestos to be removed first before burning a building wherein the firefighting training center will be put up. Their monitoring and evaluation of the samples resulted in a finding that revelaed 10% of the samples contained asbestos.
Second is the state’s use of roof shingle in resurfacing the roads. These shingles are being tested for asbestos in the UHL after being removed in the landfills with the use of asbestos microscopes. Asbestos-free shingles are the materials being used for the road resurfacing. This has reduced landfills waste as well as reducing smoke and road dust pollution. Recycling these shingles have a positive impact to the environment.
The third proof of expertise of the UHL is their identification of air pollutants indoors. The article mentioned the Sick Building Syndrome that has been a constant inquiry from concerned citizens. In today’s times, people spend more time in buildings whether at work, in school or at home. Dynamic building improvements would also results in the generation and build-up of chemical and biological contaminants. The UHL processes samples from these buildings to test and evaluate the existence of a pollutant and to identify whether it is biological or chemical in nature. Further analysis of the samples sent is being done with sophisticated and latest scientific equipments like microscopes and spectroscopy machines.
Ghosting or black streaks in the walls is also one of the most common complaints of home and building owners. Aside from cleaning the walls, the potential health risk is also a concern. Since people are more aware of the health risks of contaminated materials and that constant exposure could damage their health, they tend to be more vocal in their inquiries and questions. The UHL would require samples from this black streak to test if it is chemical or biological in nature using microscopes like asbestos microscopes. The client will have peace of mind if the report made by the UHL will tell them that there is no cause for worry.
