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Abstract

Inadvertent inhalation of asbestos fibers and the subsequent
development of incurable cancers is a leading cause of work-related deaths
worldwide. Currently, there is no real-time in situ method for detecting
airborne asbestos. We describe an optical method that seeks to address this
deficiency. It is based on the use of laser light scattering patterns to
determine the change in angular alignment of individual airborne fibers
under the influence of an applied magnetic field. Detection sensitivity
estimates are given for both crocidolite (blue) and chrysotile (white)
asbestos. The method has been developed with the aim of providing a low-
cost warning device to tradespeople and others at risk from inadvertent
exposure to airborne asbestos.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)11356-11367
Number of pages12
JournalOptics Express
Volume21
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2013

Keywords

  • Asbestos, laser light scattering, instrumentation,

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