Philip Morris
Identification and Counting of Mineral Fragments
Fields
- Author
- Fisher, R.M.
- Lally, J.S.
- Lee, R.J.
- Lally, J.S.
- Type
- SCRT, REPORT, SCIENTIFIC
- ABST, ABSTRACT
- BIBL, BIBLIOGRAPHY
- CHAR, CHART, GRAPH, TABLE, MAPS
- DRAW, DRAWING
- PHOT, PHOTOGRAPH
- ABST, ABSTRACT
- Area
- SOLANA,RICHARD/CENTRAL FILES
- Litigation
- Fali/Produced
- Characteristic
- EXTR, EXTRA
- Site
- R545
- Named Organization
- Bureau of Mines
- Natl Bureau of Standards
- OSHA, Occupational Safety & Health Administration
- US Steel
- Workshop on Asbestos
- Natl Bureau of Standards
- Author (Organization)
- US Steel
- Named Person
- Nord
- Poisson
- Ross, M.
- Zoltai, T.
- Poisson
- Master ID
- 2063104795/5283
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- Date Loaded
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Document Images
CS
National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 506. Proceedings of the Workshop on
Asbestos: Definitions and Measurement Methods held at NBS, Gaithersburg, MD, July 18-20,
1977. (Issued November 1978)
IDENTIFICATION AND COUNTING OF MINERAL FRAGMENTS
R. J. Lee, J. 5. Lally, and R. M. Fisher
U. S. Steel Corp., Research Laboratory
Monroeville, Pennsylvania 15146
Abstract
Positive identification of submicrometer-diameter mineral
fragments, especially amphiboles, requires both chemical and
crystallographic analysis. At present, only electron optical methods
can be used for this purpose, and considerable care must be taken to
ensure that (1) the x-ray spectra and diffraction patterns pertain only
to the particle in question (that is, spatial-resolution limitations
must be recognized); (2) x-ray data are compared with well characterized
reference standards; (3) overlapping chemical composition and/or similar
crystal structures of mineral series are recognized; (4) crystal
fragments are tilted into zone-axis orientation before recording the
electron-diffraction pattern; and (5) appropriate statistical criteria
are used to evaluate the significance of the results.
The required procedures are time consuming (and costly), but less
rigorous methods are subject to considerable uncertainty, which limits
the validity of the data and its usefulness in any assessment of
biological effects. Adoption of a definition of mineral fibers based on
an aspect ratio of 10:1 and parallel edges would eliminate most non-
asbestos mineral fragments from consideration, and reduce the analytical
problems to more manageable proportions.
Analysis of the face orientations of amosite fibers (commercial
amphibole asbestos) and grunerite fragments (nonasbestiform amphibole)
reveals pronounced distinctions which originate in their different
crystal growth or cleavage characteristics.
Key Words: Amosite; amphibole; asbestos; electron diffraction; fibrous;
grunerite; mineral identification; non-fibrous.
Introduction
The organization in 1977 of a workshop devoted to identifying points of agreement and
disagreement on definitions and measurement methods for asbestos was a most welcome and
logical initiative on the part of the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) and the Occupa-
tional Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Changes in meaning of the term "asbestos
fiber," which have occurred with the advent of concern about very fine particles (only
observable in the electron microscope), have been discussed and deplored by Tibor Zoltai
[1,2]1. Such loosening of the definition of asbestos results in the inclusion of
varieties of sheet silicates, chain silicates, and even non-silicates. Malcolm Ross [3]
has pointed out that serpentine, amphibole, clay, mica, chlorite, and alumina-silicates
are prime exampies of widely occurring minerals that could be erroneously classified with
"asbestos." As a further consequence, the term "emission sources" becomes broadened to
include extended, naturally occurring geological formations. -
'Figures in brackets indicate the literature references at the end of this paper.
Three digit bracketed numbers, e.g., [113] refer to reciprocol space vectors.
387

The use of vague terminology coupled with limited biological research data has
blurred the distinction between scientific fact and speculation regarding the health
hazard resulting from exposure to low concentrations of silicate dust particles. The
correct identification of micrometer-size mineral particles and the accurate measurement
of their concentration in air or water samples is not easy. Unfortunately, reported
observations of mineral varieties in samples collected at locations where these minerals
should not occur, coupled with differences of many orders of magnitude in the particulate
concentrations reported by various laboratories, confuse those with the political or
administrative responsibility for reacting to public concern about environmental quality.
Hopefully, publication and distribution of the proceedings of the NBS/OSHA workshop will
help repair the damage to the credibility of analysts and their procedures that public
controversy has engendered.
United States Steel has expended a great deal of effort in developing reliable
methods for identifying and counting particles. The details have been published elsewhere
[4,5]. The purpose of the present report is to emphasize the precautions that must be
taken to avoid errors and illustrate, the results that can be obtained if appropriate
methods are used. Fiber characteristics pertinent to the definition of "asbestos" are
also discussed at the end of this report.
Particle Identification
It is necessary to use electron microscopy, either scanning (SEM) or transmission
(TEM), to examine particles with dimensions of a few micrometers or less. Transmission
electron microscopes can be adjusted to obtain electron-diffraction (ED) patterns from
single particles which provide cyrstallographic information. Scanning electron
microscopes are usually equipped with facilities for x-ray emission spectroscopy which
provide elemental information about single particles (if properly dispersed). Some hybrid
instruments combine SEM, TEM, ED, and x-ray functions.
Characteristic Diffraction Patterns. The term "characteristic pattern" has come into
common use in connection with the identification of particles of minerals by transmission
electron microscopy as if such characteristics (diagnostic patterns) could be ascribed to
each mineral. As a general rule this is incorrect. Many minerals have very similar dif-
fraction patterns, as illustrated in figures 1 and 2, and it is impossible to distinguish
between them by visual inspection. If they are measured and interpreted (indexed as in
figures 1 and 2), they can be used as references for other identical (not similar) pat-
Chr.p;ntle
Figure 1. Selected area electron diffraction patterns of mjneral
particles which all show a d-spacing of about 5 A.
388

CS
Aclinolite
Figure 2. Indexed electron diffraction patterns of representative amphiboles
and non-amphiboles showing essentially similar appearance.
terns. These are good patterns obtained by carefully tilting into a"zone axis" orienta-
tion. If this is not done, the patterns are diffuse, irregular, and useless. Because of
its tubular shape and helical structure, the diffraction pattern of chrysotile is not
strongly dependent on orientation and is recognized more readily.
Another factor affecting electron-diffraction analysis, as illustrated in Figure 2
for actinolite, is that every mineral has several different "zone axis" patterns, which
depend on the orientation of the particle with respect to the electron beam. This is also
illustrated in figure 3 for the amphibole mineral grunerite. However, the presence of
extensive twinning, as in figure 3 for grunerite, or fine-scale exsolution in the
pyroxenes (as in augite in figure 2), can give rise to closely spaced spots in a
diffraction pattern. This may lead the unsuspecting microscopist to conclude that he is
observing a large d-spacing when, in fact, the pattern contains "extra" spots due to
reciprocal lattice spikes, multiple zone-axis orientations, or satellite spots.
0
The 5.3 A d-spacing of the c-axis is frequently taken as definitive of the
amphiboles. yet, of the eight diffraction patterns shown in figures 1 and 2, six have d-
spacings ti5 A, although only two of these are from amphibole particles. In general, as
discussed by ,Zoltai [1], many minerals fragment into acicular particles and have
d-spacings ry5 lf Because of differences in fragmentation characteristics, the broad faces
of the two mineral varieties, amosite and grunerite, occur along different
crystallographic planes, so the patterns are usually different.
bN
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01b
Grunerite (3jp1
Figure 3. Indexed electron diffraction patterns of different orientations of
grunerite achieved by tilting specimens in the electron microscope.
The characteristic growth habit of amosite asbestos gives rise to a fiber with the
largest face on (100) planes, which will then lie flat on electron-microscope grids [6].
As a result, the nearest reciprocal lattice section will contain b*x[103]*, as pointed out
by Nord [7]. A typical pattern from amosite, shown in figure 4(a), contains b*x[113]*,
the basic vectors for zone axis perpendicular to the [100]* direction in reciprocal space.
In contrast, a cleavage fragment should lie near a (110) face, and the expected zone-axis
diffraction patterns nearly perpendicular to [110]* would not contain b*. While the
cleavage fragments are more randomly oriented, the diffraction pa-ttern in figure 4(b),
[021]*x[221]*, and the pattern containing the twin spots [130]*x[1l1]* in figure 3, are
both within about 15° of [110]*. Thus, the predominant face of the particle can be
determined if the pattern is indexed on the assumption that the fiber axis c in real space,
[103]* in reciprocal space, is perpendicular to the beam.
390

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Amosite
f
Figure 4. Electron micrographs and diffraction patterns of amosite
and grunerite particles which indicate that the asbestos
and non-asbestos varieties can be distinguished if the
diffraction patterns are interpreted properly.
Preliminary results of a study of the typical orientations of a Penge amosite, and a
grunerite from Presque Isle, Michigan, are shown in table 1. In this comparison, 75
percent of the amosite particles had b* vectors within 100 of the normal to the electron
beam, thus indicating they were lying on (100). Only 18 percent of the grunerite
particles had this orientation. The remaining 75 percent were more than 30° away from
[100]* on the [010]* side of the [110]* direction in reciprocal space. The cleavage
fragments are not as tightly clustered about [110]* as the amosite particles are about
[100]*. These data suggest that it may be possible to distinguish amosite fibers from
grunerite cleavage fragments by looking for b* reflections. Very recent SEM observations
of crystal-growth habits of amosite and grunerite have revealed that these distinctions
between fiber formation by "delamination" and fragment formation by cleavage are also
evident in bulk samples, figure 5.
Table 1. Face orientations of Amosite and
Grunerite fibers.
Face Amosite Grunerite
(100) 17 (74%) 7
(010) 1 2
(110)a 5 30 (77%)
a Cleavage plane.
391

a
b
20,0001
Figure 5. Cross-sections of grunerite and amosite looking down the c-axis.
(a) Exsolution lameliae, cleavage traces and 100 parting are all evident in grunerite.
(b) The delamination of thin lamellae produced by fine-scale twinning (ti50 A) along (100)
is shown. This leads to the development of amosite particles with large 100 faces.
X-ray Analysis. As mentioned, the development of energy-dispersive spectroscopy as
an adjunct to scanning or transmission microscopy has made it possible' to obtain
information about the elemental composition of small particles. It is tempting to assume
that the x-ray spectra are diagnostic, but in many cases this is not true. Unless
precautions are taken, near-by particles can contribute to the x-ray spectra. Absorption
and fluorescence effects depend on particle size and orientation, so their x-ray spectra
may differ from those of reference standards. These effects are not great; but for many
minerals, differences in composition are also not large, (as shown in figure 6 with x-ray
spectra from amphiboles, serpentines, and non-amphiboles).
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Figure 6. X-ray spectra of representative amphiboles, serpentines, and non-amphiboles
showing essentially similar appearance illustrating difficulty of identifying
silicate minerals by non-quantitative x-ray spectroscopy.
392
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Improved Identification Technigues. These difficulties with identification, although
formidable, have been overcome with effort and better understanding of electron-diffraction
and x-ray spectroscopy. Key features of the method are (1) tilting of particle into one
or two zone axis orientations; (2) obtaining an x-ray spectrum from the same particle;
(3) comparison of diffraction and x-ray data by computer with a complete library of all
minerals that could be present. Figure 7(a,b) [4,5] shows block diagrams for the program
DIFFPAT, which simulates zone-axis diffraction patterns for any crystal with known unit-
cell parameters and space-group symmetry, and SEARCH, which compares measured parameters
obtained from zone-axis diffraction patterns with the simulated patterns generated by
DIFFPAT. The minerals included in the computer library are listed in table 2. Prior
consideration of chemical information eliminates many of these minerals and reduces
computer time considerably.
Table 2. Silicate minerals used in programs "DIFFPAT" and "SEARCH".a
PYROXENES AMPHIBOLES SERPENTINES TALCS CHLORITES
Augite Actinolite Amosite Minnesotaite Clinochlore
Diopside Anthophyllite Antigorite Pyrophyllite Penninite
Enstatite Arfvedsonite Berthierite Talc Prochl ori te
Hedenbergite Barkevikite Chamosite Talc-Chlorite
Hyperstene Cumningtonite Chrysotile
Jadeite Eckermanite Cronstedtite MICAS
Johannsenite Edenite Greenalite CLAYS
Pigeonite Ferrogedrite Lizardite Biotite
Spodumene Gedrite Cl intonite Apophyllite
Glaucophane Glauconite I11ite
Grunerite KAOLINS Lepidollte Montmorillonite
PYROXINOIDS Hastingsite Margarite Prehnite
Holmquistite Dickite Muscovite Vermiculite
Pectolite Hornblende Donbassite Paragonite
Rhodonite Kaesutite Halloysite Phlogopite
Wollastonite Katophorite Kaolinite Stilpnomelane
Pargasite Nacrite Xanthophyllite
Richterite Zinnwaldite
Riebeckite
Tremolite
Tschermakite
a Obtained from Ref. 1.
393

SYAT - CALCUILATEO
SII. S1=...
OCNLC - C4CULATFD 0'SF.LCINGS. ORROENS
EY SIII. ANO SEPARATES INTO ALLOWAELE
Ntq FOREICOEN VECTORS
FICES A ZONE AxR FINOS TNE LARGEST
ALLOWED Pp.ECING EELONGING TO IT -
THEN CNECES FUR OOOELE OIFFRKnON
FINALLY CqMRFS THE WOLF SETNEEN
THE VECTONS TO SIWILATF THE
DIFIRACTNy/ NLTFERN
Figure 7. (a) Summary flow chart for computer program DIFFPAT which
calculates reciprocal lattice diffraction patterns.
Enter D ,
ARaM Dau
From DIFFPAT
Figure 7. (b) Block diagram of the program SEARCH which compares
measured parameters obtained from zone-axis diffraction
patterns with simulated patterns generated by DIFFPAT.
394

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In many cases, a well characterized x-ray spectrum and one good low-order diffraction
pattern are sufficient for a positive identification. If the x-ray spectra are not
available, or if there is more than one mineral matching the selected-area diffraction
pattern, two patterns must be measured and indexed for positive identification. These two
approaches to positive identification are illustrated in figure 8. These methods,
although very reliable, are very time consuming. A much simpler method based on grouping
partitles into "classes" is described in the subsequent section, "More Rapid Electron
Microscope Methods."
Figure 8. Schematic illustration of particle-identification criteria.
Sample Preparation and Particle Counting
Even when all necessary precautions are taken with particle identification, a number
of factors can affect their apparent concentration. Very large variability between
laboratories has been reported [8], in part due to problems with sample preparation
methods, particulate losses, contamination, casual identifications, subjective definition
of 3:1 aspect ratio, and inherent statistical limitations. Particularly large variations
can occur for conditions of relatively high dust loadings. In this case the air sample
volume is very small and the corresponding scale factor will be very large. The particle
density on the electron-microscope specimen is still likely to be rather high, with the
result that observation and positive identification of mineral fragments will be much more
difficult than for low-particle-density samples of ambient air.
Improved Sample-Preparation Procedure. The block diagram of our well proven
procedure [4] is shown in figure 9. The first step in sample preparation is to ash the
filter and its contents. This low-temperature ashing is an important aspect of the sample
preparation since it eliminates organic debris. Next, the sample is agitated
ultrasonically to break up agglomerates. If friable material is present, this may result
in some modification of the original size distribution. The alternatives to this
procedure are "direct" examination or "rubout" procedures. In the first case, the sample
may contain extensive debris; and in the second case, modification of the size
distribution may occur.
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1-11-w1
Filter
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Low
Temp
Ashing
DisscHe
Filtar
ryi
Ultrasonic
Vibration
TEM
Grid
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Filtering
Spec &
Control
Gold
Coat
Figure 9. Block diagram of steps in sample preparation procedure.
The material is now collected on a second filter paper by suspending the sample in
distilled water and pulling the water through a vacuum aspirator. Dilution may be used to
control the amount of material deposited on the filter. In addition, the particle distri-
bution will be much more uniform than that on the original filter. This second filter is
carbon-coated. The carbon film serves to entrain the particles and provide a support
material that is transparent to the electron beam. A 3-mm disk is punched from the
laboratory filter; the filter material is then dissolved in acetone, leaving the carbon
film and entrained particulates. The film Is picked up on the lettered grid, which
permits determination of the exact position of a particle. This technique is rapid, and
does not differ in any substantive manner from any method in which a carbon film is
deposited on the filter to entrain the particulates.
Finally, a thin film of gold is deposited on the replica, which serves as a calibra-
tion material for the diffraction work; failure to include this calibration precludes
measurement of SAD patterns with sufficient accuracy to allow differentiation between the
complex crystal structures of the minerals under consideration.
Particle Losses. In any sample preparation technique, particulate losses may be an
important source of error and some method must be developed for quantifying any loss. To
check on this, the same carbon-coated filter material was examined before and after
dissolution. As illustrated in figure 10, the losses are negligible, confined only to
those particles in the body of the filter that are not entrained in the carbon. Since
filters with 0.2-micron-diameter pores are used, these losses are minimal. Other labora-
tories report losses as high as 40 to 80 percent of the particulate matter deposited on
the filter.
A-P.vh.r.L^, nrl Fi~tr B-Panccles in Carbon Film
Figure 10. Comparison of samples before and after dissolving filter.
(a) Particles on filter after carbon coating. 0
(b) Identical particles entrained in carbon film after
dissolution of the filter material. w
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Electron-Microscope Examination. Specimens are examined in the scanning electron
microscope and the million-volt electron microscope, and micrographs are made of random
areas until 35 to 50 particles with a 3:1 aspect ratio or larger are located. Visual
examination, although obviously much quicker, is liable to large subjective errors in
recognizing 3:1 "fibers" and in measurement of particle size. Permanent records are
important in case of subsequent need for rechecking or confirmation by others. The total
grid area photographed can be related to the original volume of air samples through the
series of dilution and scale factors involved. Typically, one full grid opening cor-
responds to about 10 liters of clean ambient air and to about 10 mL of very dusty air or
stack samples. In most cases, "average" concentrations of 2 to 10 particles per grid
opening are about right. Smaller values lead to prolonged searching to obtain adequate
statistics, and higher particle concentrations give difficulties with identification
procedures.
Statistical Factor and Misidentification
Examination of a large number of samples has clearly demonstrated that the concentra-
tion (per unit area) of particles follows a Poisson distribution where the variance is
about equal to the mean. The corresponding distribution of particles between grid
openings is illustrated schematically in figure 11. The mean concentration is 2.5
particles per square. Obviously, differences of nearly an order of magnitude could result
by chance if only the left-central or right-central four openings were examined with means
of 0.5 and 3.3, respectively. This distribution effect can be minimized by continuing to
search and record micrographs until enough data are obtained to be valid at a
predetermined confidence level.
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r 2 1 4 5
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4 2 3
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Figure 11. Schematic illustration of Poisson distribution
of particles between grid squares.
397

Random Misidentification. Another source of error that is not so easily circumvented
is the misidentification of mineral fragments if only electron diffraction is employed.
This can occur by chance even when every care is taken to tilt the particle properly, the
pattern is measured accurately, and comparison is made with an appropriate suite of
minerals. This error is' particularly serious in view of the growing tendency to equate
"amphibole" with "asbestos".
The frequency of chance computer matches of diffraction patterns of randomly oriented
mineral particles is shown in table 3. The chance of misidentification of a particle as
an amphibole when minnesotaite and magnetite are both present ranges from 9 to 18 percent.
The misidentification probability is reduced when lattice-symmetry effects are introduced
into the calculation. An illustration of the effects of chance misidentification is shown
in table 4. It was assumed that 35 particles of a non-amphibole mineral were counted and
7 misidentified as amphibole. If amphiboles could have been present, it is only possible
to say that the concentration was less than 103/m3. Because of the larger scale factor
for dusty air, or if only a few grid squares were scanned, an even larger apparent
concentration would be reported (as has already occurred) [9].
Table 3. Computer matches of randomly generated diffraction patterns.a
- - - - Randomly Generated Patterns From - - - -
Computer Indexed
Solutions
Minnesotaite
Minnesotaite 100
Actinalite 9
Magnetite 0
Grunerite 11
a Accidental matches are underlined.
Actinolite Magnetite
24 12
100 18
0 100
14 13
Table 4. False identification as amphiboles, probability ti0.2.
Scale Factora Apparent
Concentration Actual
Ambient Air l0s ti5 x 10''/m3 0b -<103c
Dusty Air 5 x 107 ti2 x 107/m3 0-<10s
a(Cubic meter per grid opening)-1.
b When none could be present.
C Maximum if occurrence possible.
More Rapid Electron-Microscope Methods
The identification and counting procedures described in previous sections are very
time consuming and expensive. Costs per individual air sample are in the range of $300
to $1500, depending an the methods used and the degree of reliability that the analytical
laboratory is willing to certify. Deployment of more than 1000 air monitoring stations
around the United States might easily be deemed necessary. The financial and manpower
resources are just not available for electron-microscope analysis on this scale.
398

es
A more simplified method, currently under development, is to group particles observed
in the microscope into classes based on their appearance and their x-ray emission spectra,
that is, their approximate composition, using automatic image-analysis techniques for
measurements and recording. Complete electron-diffraction identification is then carried
out on randomly selected particles from each class. This cuts the time required by a
factor of five or more, admittedly at some loss in certainty. However, the improved
statistics appear to overcome this deficiency.
In some cases of particular interest, simpler methods may be developed to achieve
reasonably reliable identification. For example, the development of different crystal
faces by amosite and grunerite affect their orientation on the electron-microscope grid
and the diffraction patterns most commonly observed. This could be used to screen
samples for amosite and grunerite with a reasonable degree of accuracy on a quality-control
basis. Other specific analysis problems might be solved in similar fashion. However,
this method will not work on ambient-air samples, which could contain a large number of
minerals or chemical compounds. Finally, automatic image-analysis facilities to process
scanning electron-microscope images are coming into use. Effective methods of utilizing
these devices are being developed to expedite analysis of air and water samples by
eliminating manual data logging and particle counting and measurement.
Physical Characteristics of Mineral Fragments
Aside from questions of errors in identifying and counting amphibole and other mineral
fragments, the very pronounced distinctions between their physical characteristics and
those of asbestos must be recognized. In addition to obvious differences in particle size
and shape, more subtle features such as crystal structure, face orientation, surface
chemistry, associated impurities, lattice imperfections, and concentration could well be
important in the biological response to small particles. These factors cannot be over-
looked when attempting to generalize from health-effects studies with a particular mineral
variety.
Scanning-electron-microscope micrographs in figure 12 demonstrate the difference in
appearance of crocidolite fibers and several cleavage fragments of hornblende with a 5:1
aspect ratio. The difference in character between the two types of particles is quite
apparent, yet there has been a growing tendency to equate them.
caocznoaixa
aoMeLace
Figure 12. Scanning electron micrographs of crocidolite fiber
and fragments of hornblende.
N
~
399 W
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0
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The cumulative distribution of particle aspect ratios of amosite fibers is shown in
figure 13 with a similar plot for comminuted actinolite particles. Differences in the
distribution of the aspect ratio of particles are marked. Very few actinolite cleavage
fragments have an aspect ratio greater than 10:1, whereas very few amosite particles are
less than 10:1. -
CUMULATIVE FRACTION, %
100
Figure 13. Plot of measured aspect ratio of amosite fiber
and ground actinolite.
Studies of more basic structural differences are just beginning in a number of
laboratories. Differences in cleavage properties and growth characteristics between
amosite and grunerite that are reflected in particle morphology and surfaces were
discussed in the Section, "Characteristic Diffraction Patterns." Planar lattice defects,
responsible for extensive streaking in certain electron-diffraction patterns, can be seen
by high-resolution electron microscopy [11]. When present, these grown-in faults may
promote a tendency to split into long narrow fibers. Several years ago,
electron-microscope studies revealed that chrysotile fibers are actually hollow tubes
[12]. Recently, high-resolution studies of cross-sections of crocidolite have shown the
presence of somewhat similar micropores between the fibers [13].
Summary
Identification of mineral fragments and determination of their concentration in air
and water samples with a satisfactory degree of accuracy can be achieved using electron
optical methods if the procedures reviewed in this report are followed. The most
important precautions are:
1. Loss of particles or changes in their dimensions during specimen preparation
must be avoided.
2. Crystal fragments must be tilted into a zone-axis orientation before selected-
area electron-diffraction patterns are recorded.
3. Spot spacings and angles must be measured accurately and compared with
computed patterns for any minerals that could occur in the sample.
400

(C 3
4. X-ray emission spectral data from overlapping or closely adjacent particles
must be discarded, effects of particle size on line intensities must be
recognized, and data must be compared with well characterized reference
standards.
5~ Appropriate statistical criteria must be used to interpret the significance of
apparent particle concentrations.
In our view, a definition of a fiber, incorporating the following points, would
resolve most analytical difficulties and remain compatible with all known facts concerning
health effects.
1. Aspect ratio greater than 10:1.
2. Parallel edges.
It is also necessary to establish a lower limit on particle size in keeping with
capabilities of analytical procedures to ensure consistency in count between various
laboratories. In the absence of any conclusive evidence for adverse biological effects
due to very small particles, the current >5 pm length standard should be maintained.
A recent Bureau of Mines Information Circular [14] contains discussion and documenta-
tion of many of the foregoing points including: (1) Detailed discussion of definitions
relating to asbestos and the importance of eliminating loose terminology from the
scientific and popular literature. (2) Discussion of the differing growth and cleavage
origins of fibers and fragments as , emphasized in this report. (3) Criticism of the 3 to 1
aspect-ratio criterion for mineral fibers on the basis that fibers from asbestiform
minerals always average more than 10 to 1 and often go up to 200 to 1 or eore, whereas the
usual ratio for cleavage fragments is less than 10 to 1.
References
[1] Zoltai, T. and Stout, J. H., "Comments on Asbestiform and Fibrous Mineral Fragments,
Relative to Reserve Mining Company Taconite Deposits," Contract report to Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency, March 1976.
[2] Zoltai, T., "History of Asbestos-Related Mineralogical Terminology," Proceedings,
Workshop on Asbestos: Definitions and Measurement Methods, National Bureau of
Standards, Gaithersburg, Md., July 18 to 20, 1977.
[3] Ross, M., "Minerals Commonly Occurring in the Earth's Crust That Might be Defined as
Asbestos by Various Regulatory Agencies," Proceedings, Workshop on Asbestos: Defini-
tions and Measurement Methods, National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, Md., July
18 to 20, 1977.
[4] Lee, R. J., "Electron Optical Identification of Particulates," Proceedings of
Symposium on Electron Microscopy of Microfibers, Pennsylvania State University,
August 23 to 25, 1976, in press (1977).
[5] Lally, J. S. and Lee, R. J., "Computer Indexing of Electron Diffraction Patterns
Including the Effects of Lattice Symmetry," Proceedings of Electron Microscopy
Society of America Annual Meeting, Boston, August 22 to 26, 1977.
[6] Champness, P. E. , Cliff, G. , and Lorimer, G. W., "The Identification of Asbestos,"
Journal of Microscopy, 108, Pt. 3, 231-249 (1976).
[7] Nord, G. L., Jr., "State-of-the-Art of the Analytical Transmission Electron Micro-
scope," Symposium on Electron Microscopy and X-ray Diffraction in Environmental and
Occupational Health, in press (1977). _
401
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~
0
N
f+
N

[8] Brown, A. L., Jr., Taylor, W. F., and Carter, R. E. , "The Reliability of Measures of
Amphibole Fiber Concentration in Water," Environmental Research, 12, 000-000 (1976).
[9] Nichelson, W. J., "Analysis of Mesabi Iron Range Samples," Environmental Sciences
Laboratory, Mount.Sinai School of Medicine, Contract report to Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency, July 1975.
[10] Chadfield, E. , Ontario Research Foundation, private communication (1976).
[11] Irusteta, M. C. and Whittaker, E. J. W., High-Resolution Electron Microscopy and
Diffraction Studies of Fibrous Amphiboles, Acta Cryst. A31, 794 (1975).
[12] Yada, K., High Resolution Electron Microscopy of Chrysotile, Acta Cryst. 23, 704
(1967).
[13] Franco, N. A., Hutchison, J. L., Jefferson, D. A., and Thomas, J. M., "Structural
Imperfection and Morphology of Crocidolite (blue asbestos)," Nature, 266, 7 (1977).
[14] Bureau of Mines Information Circular (IC8751), "Selected Silicate Minerals and Their
Asbestiform Varities: Mineralogical Definitions and Identification-Characterization,"
U. S. Dept. of the Interior, 1977.
Discussion
NOTE: Discussion of this paper was included in the General Discussion at the end of this
session.
402
