Development of Fluorescence Microscopy Method to Detect Airborne Asbestos and the Challenge of Automation

Kuroda Akio, Ishida Takenori, Nishimura Tomoki

doi:10.3985/mcwmr.31.345

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Other Title

大気アスベストを迅速検査するための蛍光顕微鏡法の開発と自動化の試み
タイキアスベストオジンソクケンサスルタメノケイコウケンビキョウホウノカイハツトジドウカノココロミ

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Description

The current method for detecting asbestos fibers in air relies on a combination of phase-contrast and electron microscopy. Since this analysis is time-consuming and requires highly skilled operators, as well as bulky equipment, it is not suitable for on-site asbestos testing. The authors have developed the fluorescence microscopy (FM) method, which relies on fluorescence probes that can selectively bind to asbestos. A high correlation was observed between test results presented by the FM method and those of the electron microscopy-based method. In 2017, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment approved the FM method as a rapid analytical method for asbestos release at demolition sites. To address the demand for on-site detection of asbestos, we developed a portable fluorescent microscope that is robust enough to tolerate outdoor use. The FM method using an air sampling/fluorescent staining equipment and the portable fluorescent microscope can provide results within an hour at demolition sites. The authors are currently using an AI image analysis in order to develop a fully automatic airborne asbestos detection system.

Journal

Material Cycles and Waste Management Research

Material Cycles and Waste Management Research 31 (5), 345-351, 2020-09-30

Japan Society of Material Cycles and Waste Management

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