Morphology and Size Distribution of Naturally Occurring Asbestos using TEM in Landscape Rock in Parks

This study provided data that can be used to discriminate asbestiform and non-asbestiform amphiboles contained in landscaping rocks recreational parks. The length width of fibers being at least 5 μm long with a minimum aspect ratio 3:1 were measured using transmission electron microscope compared an asbestos reference sample. park samples thicker than 1 (average 1.9 μm), while the Health Safety Executive (HSE) sample averaged 0.3 width, 100% thinner 1.0 μm. average ratios 7.1 for 67.1 HSE Based on these distributions, amphibole sampled landscape had lower These results suggest actinolite cannot classified into commercial-grade asbestos. contribute public policy managing controlling containing naturally occurring (NOA) communicate possible resulting health risks. Key Words: Naturally Occurring Asbestos(NOA), Amphibole, Width, Aspect ratio, Landscape rock