This method is intended to be used as a screen and aid in identification erionite in soils and gravels using Central Stop Dispersion Staining (CSDS) in conjuction with other Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) attributes for the identification of erionite in soils and gravels. It is anticipated that this method will be used in conjunction with other analytical techniques suchs Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Difraction for identification and characterization of erionite in soil, gravel and air samples.
The standard is needed because there is no current ASTM method for the analysis of erionite in soils and gravels by Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM). Like asbestos, erionite ( a fibrous zeolite mineral) may pose health risks. It appears to be associated with increased risks of fibrogenic lung disease, lung cancer and mesothelioma similar to asbestos. Although toxic effects have been documented in a limited studies in Turkey in the 1970s, there have been few studies of erionite in the United States. During the past decade, the potential risk for exposure to erionite has increased due as a result of studies conducted in North Dakota. A standard ASTM PLM method for analysis of erionite in soils and gravels is anticipated to be used by commercial laboratories providing service to industry, government agencies and academia.
KeywordsErionite; PLM, asbestos, health risk
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.Back to Top
Louis Solebello Jr
Draft Under Development