Evaluation of Image Analysis Equipment Applied to Asbestos Fiber Counting

摘要

The applicability and availability of automated image analyzing equipment for counting asbestos fibers collected from airborne asbestos are reviewed. The requirements for asbestos fiber counting equipment are discussed, and the health effects of asbestos exposure are described. Existing exposure standards are stated, and methods for sampling and analysis are discussed. The desirable performance features and specifications for an automatic fiber counting system are presented. The current state of the art in image analysis equipment is evaluated, and existing equipment capability is described. A summary of opinions of persons in the asbestos industry, government officials, and private investigators regarding the problem is presented, and their views on possible solutions are described. Information obtained from over 70 manufacturers of image analyzing computers and related cost numentation equipment is prevented, and individual analyzers are identified and evaluated. The authors conclude that a satisfactory fully automated system for counting asbestos fibers is not yet available.