This guide describes factors to be considered by an investigator designing a sampling program to compare the asbestos dust loadings in two environments and presents statistical methods for making the comparison. Each user is responsible for the design of an investigation and the interpretation of data collected when using dust data.

This guide does not deal with situations where dusts of different compositions or from different surfaces are to be evaluated.

This guide describes methods for interpreting the results of sampling and analysis performed in accordance with Test Methods D 5755, D 5756, and D 6480. It may be appropriate to use the procedures in this Guide with other dust collection and analysis methods, but it is the responsibility of the user to make this determination.

The methods described in this guide are not intended to be used alone. They are intended to be used along with various evaluation methods that may include consideration of building use, activities within the building, air sampling, asbestos surveys (refer to Practice E 2356), evaluation of building history and study of building ventilation systems.

This guide describes methods for comparing environments and does not draw any conclusions relating asbestos surface loadings to the potential safety or habitability of buildings.

This guide does not address risk assessments or the use of dust sampling in risk assessment. Health based risk assessments are beyond the scope of this guide.

Warning—Asbestos fibers are acknowledged carcinogens. Breathing asbestos fibers can result in disease of the lungs including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Precautions should be taken to avoid creating and breathing airborne asbestos particles when sampling and analyzing materials suspected of containing asbestos. Regulatory requirements addressing asbestos are defined by USEPA^{4 ,5} and OSHA⁶ .

1.1 There are multiple purposes for determining the loading of asbestos in dust on surfaces. Each particular purpose may require unique sampling strategies, analytical methods, and procedures for data interpretation. Procedures are provided to facilitate application of available methods for determining asbestos surface loadings and/or asbestos loadings in surface dust for comparison between two environments. At present, this guide addresses one application of the ASTM surface dust methods. It is anticipated that additional areas will be added in the future. It is not intended that the discussion of one application should limit use of the methods in other areas.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements, see 5.7.