Document x1LnEGnm8jVDewRM2vKbNdyBy

Interoffice JIcnorauAm TO na Location! Mr. M. R. Stenzel - Dallas PROM (Name jno Location) Mr. E. S. Ramey SEN 5J (REV.6/ UNITERM COPT (DATE i July 14. 1980 REFERENCE NO. ESR-396-80 ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR ASBESTOS FOR FIELD US Attached is an analytical method for screening unidentified insulation or other building materials for the presence of Asbestos (a small pea size sample must be pulverized). The method is suitable for use in the field and is simple and inexpensive. IA Presence of Iron (Fe 4) and/or magnesium (Mg ") develops identifiable colors for a positive test. The absence of Fe and Mu in a test sample indicates the absence of asbestos. False positive results can be obtained due to other Fe+2 and Mg+^ containing material which is not asbestos since this simple test is not specific for asbestos. The method, recently developed by NIOSH, is Coloimetric. It was described in the June 1980 issue of National Safety News, page 20, as "an inexpensive and simple method for ouickly determining whether asbestos is present in building materials. " Kits using the above analytical scheme are now marketed by Sipin and SKC with availability unknown. Home made kits are easily made for much less than the asking price of Sipin and SKC. Mr. Cody Milburn of Suntide Refinery (Corpus C^risti) demonstrated his home made kit (cost about $50.00 including fishing tackle box) at an informal meeting of local Safety and Health people which was sponsored b-v the local Vallon people. Mr. Cody has his laboratory technician using this test method in the field with an estimated analysis time of 30 minutes or less. I obtained a copy of the method from Mr. Cody. Included in the method is a list of reagents required. If our people use this method, they should be properly informed of the hazard ous chemicals present and the safe handling of the more dangerous reagents such as 50% Hydrofluoric Acid, ION Sodium Hydroxide, and concentrated Phosphoric and Sulforic Acids. If I can be of further help, let ''now. A AAA 4 r / PLAINTIFFS EXHIBIT CEL-283 ~ 1 |i I