ASTM D7521-22
Standard Test Method for Determination of Asbestos in Soil

Standard No.

ASTM D7521-22

Release Date

2022

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM D7521-22

Scope

1.1 This test method covers a procedure to: (1) identify asbestos in soil, (2) provide an estimate of the concentration of asbestos in the sampled soil (dried), and (3) optionally to provide a concentration of asbestos reported as the number of asbestos structures per gram of sample. 1.2 In this test method, results are produced that may be used for evaluation of sites contaminated by construction, mine and manufacturing wastes, deposits of natural occurrences of asbestos (NOA), and other sources of interest to the investigator. 1.3 This test method describes the gravimetric, sieve, and other laboratory procedures for preparing the soil for analysis as well as the identification and quantification of any asbestos detected. Pieces of collected soil and material embedded therein that pass through a 19-mm sieve will become part of the sample that is analyzed and for which results are reported. 1.3.1 Asbestos is identified and quantified by polarized light microscopy (PLM) techniques including analysis of morphology and optical properties. Optional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) identification and quantification of asbestos is based on morphology, selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA). Some information about fiber size may also be determined. The PLM and TEM methods use different definitions and size criteria for fibers and structures. Separate data sets may be produced. 1.4 This test method has an analytical sensitivity of 0.25 % by weight with optional procedures to allow for an analytical sensitivity of 0.1 % by weight. 1.5 This test method does not purport to address sampling strategies or variables associated with soil environments. Such considerations are the responsibility of the investigator collecting and submitting the sample. Appendix X2 covering elements of soil sampling and good field practices is attached. 1.6 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. Other units may be cited in the method for informational purposes only. 1.7 Hazards—Asbestos fibers are acknowledged carcinogens. Breathing asbestos fibers can result in disease of the lungs including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Precautions should be taken to avoid creating and breathing airborne asbestos particles when sampling and analyzing materials suspected of containing asbestos. 1.8 This 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. 1.9 This 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.

ASTM D7521-22 Referenced Document

• ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
• ASTM D1193 Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM D3670 Standard Guide for Determination of Precision and Bias of Methods of Committee D22*， 2022-09-01 Update
• ASTM D6281 Standard Test Method for Airborne Asbestos Concentration in Ambient and Indoor Atmospheres as Determined by Transmission Electron Microscopy Direct Transfer (TEM)
• ASTM D6620 Standard Practice for Asbestos Detection Limit Based on Counts
• ASTM D7712 Standard Terminology for Sampling and Analysis of Asbestos
• ASTM E11 Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
• ASTM E177 Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• ASTM E691 Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories [Standard in French]

ASTM D7521-22 history

• 2022 ASTM D7521-22 Standard Test Method for Determination of Asbestos in Soil
• 2016 ASTM D7521-16 Standard Test Method for Determination of Asbestos in Soil
• 2013 ASTM D7521-13 Standard Test Method for Determination of Asbestos in Soil