Quality and reliability
Why the Semlab analysis is reliable
We analyse every sample in line with ISO 22262-1 using a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope. This is the international standard in the field, and the electron microscope finds even very thin fibres that a light microscope can miss.
ISO 22262-1
International standard
JEOL SEM-EDS
Electron microscope
6
Asbestos types identified
0.01
fibres/cm³ – new EU limit value
EU rules
Stricter EU rules for work with asbestos
The EU directive protecting workers from asbestos (Directive 2009/148/EC) was amended in 2023 by Directive (EU) 2023/2668. Member states bring the changes into their own national rules, so the details differ from country to country – check with your country's occupational safety authority. The changes come in two steps:
Step 1 – by 21 December 2025
Lower limit value
The binding limit value for all work involving asbestos exposure is 0.01 fibres/cm³ (as an eight-hour average).
Step 2 – transition
Electron microscopy for air samples
Asbestos fibres in the air are counted using electron microscopy or a method giving equivalent or better results. This also captures very thin fibres that light microscopy cannot reliably detect.
Source: Directive (EU) 2023/2668 amending Directive 2009/148/EC.
Method comparison
JEOL SEM-EDS compared with the light microscope (PLM)
Under ISO 22262-1, a sample must be analysed with an electron microscope if a fibre cannot be reliably identified with a light microscope (PLM). Semlab uses a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope for every analysis.
Feature
Light microscopy (PLM)
JEOL SEM-EDS (Semlab)
Detects
Fibres ≥ 0.25 µm in diameter
Fibres ≥ 0.05 µm in diameter
Identification
Visual – shape and colour
Elemental analysis (EDS) – chemical composition
Identifies all 6 asbestos types
Limited
Yes – chemically confirmed
Electron microscopy under the new EU rules
No
Yes
Role in ISO 22262-1
Screening
Confirmatory and final method
Standard
ISO 22262-1 – the international standard for material samples
ISO 22262-1:2012 is the international standard for identifying asbestos in building materials. It sets requirements for sampling, handling and analysis.
The standard is clear: if a fibre cannot be reliably identified with a light microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microanalysis (EDS) must be used. The JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope is therefore the confirmatory instrument the standard calls for – not an alternative, but a requirement in unclear cases.
Semlab analyses every sample directly with the JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope – no uncertainty and no follow-up analysis. The results are chemically confirmed, not just visual assessments.
Further information
Authorities and sources
The EU directive on protecting workers from asbestos at work, amended by Directive (EU) 2023/2668. National rules differ, so check your own country's occupational safety authority for how it applies where you live.
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work gathers EU-wide information on health and safety at work and on hazardous substances such as asbestos.
Company details
Company
Innosus Oy (Semlab)
Business ID (Finland)
3105686-7
Address
Ukkohauentie 11–13 A, 02170 Espoo, Finland
Website
Order an asbestos analysis
Analysis with JEOL SEM-EDS in line with ISO 22262-1. Result on the day your sample arrives.