[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 146 (Monday, August 1, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-18665]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: August 1, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[OPPTS-62136; FRL-4744-1]
Advisory Regarding Availability of an Improved Asbestos Bulk
Sample Analysis Test Method; Supplementary Information on Bulk Sample
Collection and Analysis
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice of advisory.
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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of an improved asbestos
bulk sample analysis test method for use with bulk samples collected
for identification of asbestos-containing materials under the Asbestos
Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) regulations and the asbestos
National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).
Supplementary information on the collection of bulk samples and
analysis of these samples by the improved method is also provided.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan B. Hazen, Director,
Environmental Assistance Division (7408), Office of Pollution
Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW.,
Washington, DC 20460, Telephone: (202-554-1404), TDD: 554-0551.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA recently developed an improved test
method entitled ``Method for the Determination of Asbestos in Bulk
Building Materials'' (EPA/600/R-93/116). Copies of the test method are
available by telephoning the National Technical Information Service
(NTIS) at (800)553-6847. The NTIS identifier for the test method is
PB93-218576.
The test method provides clarifications and improvements to the
1982 EPA ``Interim Method for the Determination of Asbestos in Bulk
Insulation Samples'' (as found in 40 CFR part 763 Appendix A to Subpart
F). Specifically, use of the improved method can provide more precise
analytical results especially at low asbestos concentrations, enhanced
analysis of floor tiles which may contain thin asbestos fibers below
the limits of resolution of the polarized light microscope (PLM), and
clearer instruction on the analysis of bulk materials, particularly
where multiple layers are present.
The 1982 method is limited in that it does not provide guidance for
analyzing materials that contain thin (<0.25 micrometers) asbestos
fibers. As a consequence, floor tiles which were analyzed according to
the 1982 method and for which negative results were reported may
actually contain undetected asbestos. At this time EPA does not have
data to support identification of other materials which may have thin
fibers.
The improved method addresses the thin fiber limitation of the 1982
method by providing directions for using transmission electron
microscopy (TEM). The test method includes improved procedures for
reducing matrices so that fibers may be made available for microscopic
analysis. The improved method also directs laboratories to analyze the
individual strata or layers and report a single result for each layer.
The 1982 method provided that the analytical result for a multi-layered
sample with discrete strata be reported as one result across all
layers. Because the 1982 method allowed the result to be reported as
one number, multi-layered samples which may contain asbestos in a
single layer may have been reported by laboratories as nonasbestos-
containing. The improved method directs laboratories to analyze and
report a result for individual layers. Thus, more than one result will
be reported for multi-layered samples, and a multi-layered sample which
previously was determined to be nonasbestos-containing may now have
layers which will be classified as asbestos-containing based on the
presence of asbestos in greater than 1 percent.
In light of the availability of the improved method, EPA recommends
that local education agencies (LEAs) use the improved method in place
of the 1982 procedures as found in 40 CFR part 763 Appendix A to
Subpart F. EPA has made the determination that the improved method is
more capable of producing accurate results than the 1982 protocol and
thus serves as a preferred substitute method. Further, EPA recommends
that LEAs which have PLM laboratory results indicating floor tiles to
be nonasbestos-containing (asbestos present in less than or equal to 1
percent) reconsider whether these materials may have thin asbestos
fibers. LEAs should also consider whether other materials sampled
previously may contain multiple layers, whether each of these layers
was analyzed separately, and whether results were reported separately
by layer. (Note: For purposes of this analysis, drywall or gypsum board
is considered a single-layered material.) LEAs are encouraged to
determine from sampling and analysis records whether multi-layered
systems were sampled and analyzed separately. (A system is an
integrated group of building components which form a unit, i.e., a wall
system composed of a browncoat layer as well as other plaster layers.)
Although there is no modification of the AHERA requirements at this
time and results obtained by following the 1982 protocol and the AHERA
sampling rules meet the AHERA legal requirements, it may be prudent for
LEAs to assume floor tiles and multi-layered materials with previously
negative results to be asbestos-containing or resample and analyze them
by the 1993 EPA Test Method.
This approach should be considered for the following circumstances:
(1) Floor tiles which may contain thin fibers and which were analyzed
under the 1982 PLM method and found not to be asbestos-containing; and
(2) materials such as hard wall and acoustical plaster, stucco or other
similar multi-layered materials or systems which were not analyzed and
reported by layers (discrete strata). LEAs are reminded that they are
also required to comply with the asbestos NESHAP regulation when
disturbing asbestos-containing building materials. Although building
owners/operators are not required by the asbestos NESHAP to collect
bulk samples of building products prior to disturbance, they are
responsible for knowing whether asbestos is contained in the building
product. Often, identification of asbestos content may be obtained only
by sampling and analyzing the material. EPA has provided guidance on
how to sample and interpret analytical results for multi-layered
samples for the asbestos NESHAP in the Federal Register notice of
January 5, 1994 (59 FR 542). Before undertaking activities which might
trigger asbestos NESHAP requirements, it is recommended that LEAs
consider resampling multi-layered materials which have been found to be
nonasbestos-containing for AHERA purposes or assume them to be
asbestos-containing prior to disturbance according to the guidelines
set forth in this current notice, in the January 5, 1994 NESHAP Federal
Register notice, and in the improved analytical method to avoid
potential violation of the asbestos NESHAP.
All previous positive results (asbestos present in greater than 1
percent) are acceptable regardless of the EPA method by which they were
sampled or analyzed. For AHERA and NESHAP purposes, materials may
always be assumed to be asbestos-containing in lieu of sampling and
analysis.
EPA is in the midst of preparing a guidance bulletin to assist LEAs
in implementing the recommendations discussed in this notice. The
guidance will be available in summer 1994. To obtain a single copy of
the bulletin, you must send a written request for the ``Asbestos
Sampling Bulletin'' and an 9\1/2\ inch by 12 inch self-addressed and
stamped envelope (at least $0.75 in postage applied to the envelope)
to: TSCA Assistance Information Service, Environmental Assistance
Division (7408), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics,
Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460.
Requests for the bulletin that are not accompanied by the self-
addressed and stamped envelope will not be honored. Multiple copies are
not available. Copies will be distributed only in the previously
described manner.
Dated: July 21, 1994.
Lynn R. Goldman,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic
Substances.
[FR Doc. 94-18665 Filed 7-29-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-F