AIHA Accreditation

The State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) is accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) to perform testing to determine the presence of asbestos in bulk building materials. Our analysts are also certified in the use of Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) to test air filters to determine airborne fiber concentrations per NIOSH 7400. SHL performs this testing to support industry, government entities, and the general public. 

Our staff have expertise in identifying asbestos fibers using Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM).  The six types of asbestos determined include: 

  • Actinolite 
  • Amosite 
  • Anthophyllite 
  • Chrysotile 
  • Crocidolite 
  • Tremolite 

Products With Asbestos

Thousands of products have contained asbestos.  Some common examples of building materials which might contain asbestos include: 

  • Ceiling tiles 
  • Floor tiles (very likely to be present in 9 inch by 9 inch tiles) 
  • Fibrous backing of sheet floor coverings 
  • Gaskets 
  • Insulation 
  • Shingles 
  • Siding such as transite or slate 
  • Vermiculite insulation 

Types of Asbestos

Our staff have expertise in identifying asbestos fibers using Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM).  The six types of asbestos determined include: 

  • Actinolite 
  • Amosite 
  • Anthophyllite 
  • Chrysotile 
  • Crocidolite 
  • Tremolite