[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]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------


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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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