TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY (TEM)
METHODOLOGY
Microscopy (TEM) is a technique, which focuses an electron beam
Transmission Electron the beam
microscope column (under a vacuum). As
onto a thin sample mounted in the the sample is
through the sample, an image resulting from varying density of either
transmits for TEM analysis can be collected on
fluorescent screen. Air samples
projected onto a direct transfer
polycarbonate filters and are prepared using
mixed cellulose ester or a carbon-
Direct preparation allows for the transfer of
techniques (as per EPA regulations). on to a
of the filter material (with embedded fibers and particulates, etc.) right
coated replica intermediate
Indirect transfer techniques require an
copper grid suitable for TEM analysis.
resulting in an increased fiber amount.
step that may break-up fiber bundles,
sis of air es by on
preparation
Several methods exist for the a nd nonlymandatory TEM ml ethods set forrth
microscopy. Most significant are the mandatory be
40 CFR 763, Subpart E (AHERA Regulations). These methods are to
as appendices to projects.
for analysis of final clearance air samples on school abatement
used
airborne asbestos concentration
The analytical sensitivity is the determined by airyvolume collected and the
counted under.the electron microscope. It is sensitivity be no
the filter examined. This method requires that the analytical
proportion of
greater than 0.005 structures/cc.
register but
pumps must be calibrated and their low indicators
Sampling removing the cap for
field blanks are to be taken by
no more than 10 liters/min. Two (2) sample set. +is
than 30 seconds. A sealed blank is to e crried with each hthe
more IedaThese samples are submitted to
representative cassette is not to be opened in thef a
The hould be
laboratory for quality control purposes. liters of a'►rSThesamples a re e ate~ b opght to a
time to conform at least a volume of 1200
certified laboratory for the analysis.
NYC-WTC 000109437
OCR can misread numbers and units. Confirm readings against the page image before using them.
NYC-WTC_000109437Source: NYC Law Department, mirrored locally