Growing up just down the road from Holmes Foundry in Sarnia, Ontario, I was unknowingly surrounded by a silent but deadly legacy of industrial negligence. The Keith and Brophy study, "Participatory Mapping of Occupational Hazards and Disease among Asbestos-exposed Workers from a Foundry and Insulation Complex in Canada," was a revelation. It detailed the extensive asbestos exposure suffered by workers at Holmes Foundry, with devastating health consequences that were ignored for far too long.

This study was more than an academic exercise for me. It was a haunting echo of the risks lurking in workplaces, risks that I later confronted head-on during my tenure at Alberta OH&S. There, I led a critical investigation into a disturbing case where a building owner flagrantly disregarded worker safety. Unprotected workers were tasked with removing asbestos-containing fireproofing across multiple sites, without respirators or any basic health safeguards. Witnessing the blatant disregard for human life and health reinforced my resolve to fight for safer workplaces.

These experiences have profoundly shaped my career in industrial hygiene. They underscore the essential role of occupational health professionals in safeguarding workers. In Sarnia, I saw the aftermath of what happens when safety is sidelined. In Alberta, I was on the front lines, actively working to prevent such tragedies.
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Now, as an experienced industrial hygienist, I am more committed than ever to championing workplace safety. Each day, I work to ensure that the horrors of the past are not repeated, advocating tirelessly for the health and well-being of workers everywhere.

I share this journey as a reminder of the critical importance of our field. We're not just protecting workers; we're preserving families, communities, and futures.

INTRODUCTION
In the field of air monitoring, specifically when assessing asbestos presence, the intricacies of sample collection and analysis come to the forefront. Over the past 30 years, the Industrial Hygiene experts at Western Health & Safety have examined over 30,000 asbestos air monitoring filters following NIOSH 7400: Asbestos and other Fibres by PCM. It's not uncommon for samples to be voided due to particle overload, a scenario that elicits varied reactions from engineers, building owners, and frontline consultants.

Sample overload can catch many by surprise, yet often, the conditions at the time of collection hint at potential issues. Nearby activities, like demolition or heavy machinery operation, can lead to air laden with various particulates such as diesel fumes or drywall dust. Anyone with experience looking through a microscope has seen an interesting array or particulates.

​Advancements in technology, such as the use of cell phone cameras, have enabled laboratory analysts to document the state of filters, offering tangible evidence of the air quality challenges during collection. These visual proofs can be indispensable for clients seeking to understand the impact of environmental conditions on air quality.
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Unlike other analytical methods where a higher concentration of the target analyte is preferred, asbestos fiber analysis requires a controlled approach. Excessive particle overlap on filters can render accurate microscopy nearly impossible, obscuring fibers and complicating data interpretation. When using the NIOSH 7400 method along with the NIOSH 7402 Asbestos by TEM, Hygienist on a daily basis are adjusting the sample volume to get the optimum particulate loading. Recognized standards such as NIOSH and AHERA suggest a maximum particulate threshold to maintain the integrity of fiber analysis.
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In scenarios where traditional methods such as the NIOSH 7400 and NIOSH 7402 falter, ISO13794 emerges as a critical tool. This sophisticated method, though costly, is pivotal in assessing air quality, particularly in high-stakes situations such as litigation or post-disaster assessments. ISO13794's meticulous process includes gravimetric reduction and a sequence of treatments to isolate asbestos fibers for analysis, offering results in precise density and concentration metrics.

​However, the complex nature of these calculations and the preparation process often necessitates expert guidance. For those seeking deeper insight into the nuances of ISO13794 and its implementation in air quality assessment, reaching out to seasoned professionals like Don at Western Health & Safety can demystify the process and provide the necessary clarity.
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​While no single method can claim to be the panacea for asbestos monitoring challenges, ISO13794 provides a robust alternative when conventional sampling is compromised. As we continue to refine our approaches and leverage advanced technologies, the goal remains unwavering: to ensure accurate monitoring and safe environments. For further details on navigating these complex processes and ensuring the integrity of your air quality assessments, expert consultation is a prudent step towards success.