Which EPA method is used for the determination of asbestos in bulk building materials?

• A. EPA/600/R-93/116, July 1993, "Method for the Determination of Asbestos in Bulk Building Materials"
• B. ISO 14001
• C. ASTM D4236
• D. NFPA 70

Answer: (A)

When testing asbestos in bulk building materials, you use a procedure that is specifically published for that purpose by the EPA. The chosen method is the EPA/600/R-93/116 document from July 1993, titled "Method for the Determination of Asbestos in Bulk Building Materials." It lays out the step-by-step process for sampling, preparing, and analyzing bulk materials to identify and quantify asbestos fibers, typically using polarized light microscopy with appropriate confirmatory checks when needed. This is the standard used for bulk-material testing because it is built specifically to address how asbestos exists within solid building materials, not just in air samples or general environmental management.

The other options aren’t focused on measuring asbestos content in bulk building materials. ISO 14001 concerns environmental management systems, ASTM D4236 pertains to labeling and safety claims for consumer art materials, and NFPA 70 is the National Electrical Code.