ISO 22262-2-2014 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 22262-2:2014 — Air quality — Bulk materials — Part 2: Quantitative determination of asbestos by gravimetric and microscopical methods. This part of ISO 22262 specifies procedures for quantitative determination of low asbestos mass fractions (primarily below ≈5 %) in bulk materials and commercial products (including vermiculite and selected mineral powders) using gravimetric separation combined with microscopy-based examination.

Abstract

ISO 22262-2:2014 provides a laboratory procedure to quantify asbestos mass fractions below approximately 5 % by sample mass. It is intended for materials where ISO 22262-1 qualitative/estimative methods are insufficient or where additional quantitative evidence is required. Typical matrices covered include resilient floor tiles, asphaltic materials, roofing felts, plasters, vermiculite and other mineral powders or commercial products containing these minerals. The standard describes sample preparation, gravimetric concentration/separation and microscopical examination steps to report asbestos mass fractions, but does not teach fundamental microscopy techniques.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (original 2014 edition; subsequently revised and replaced by a later edition published in 2026).
• Publication date: September 2014 (Edition 1, published 2014-09).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.040.20 (Ambient atmospheres / Air quality).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2014).
• Number of pages: 47 pages (as published in the 2014 edition).

Scope

ISO 22262-2:2014 applies to quantitative analysis of bulk materials and commercial products in which asbestos has been identified or is suspected at low mass fractions (primarily below ≈5 % by mass), or where ISO 22262-1 qualitative methods do not give sufficient precision to classify regulatory status. It covers matrices such as resilient floor tiles, asphaltic products, roofing felts, wall and ceiling plasters, vermiculite and mineral powders (for example talc, wollastonite, calcite, dolomite) and commercial products containing those minerals. The document focuses on gravimetric concentration of asbestos-containing fractions followed by microscopical identification and mass-fraction determination.

Key topics and requirements

• Guidance on sample selection and preparation for quantitative analysis of low asbestos mass fractions.
• Procedures for gravimetric concentration/separation of asbestos from matrix material to increase detectability.
• Microscopical examination (polarized-light microscopy and related techniques) for identification and quantification of recovered asbestos phases.
• Reporting principles for asbestos mass fraction (including applicability limits—primarily for mass fractions below ≈5 %).
• Material-specific recommendations (annexes) for different matrices such as floorings, roofing, plasters, vermiculite and mineral powders.
• Notes on method limitations: not intended to teach fundamental microscopy or analytical techniques; users are expected to be competent in laboratory microscopy and gravimetric procedures.

Typical use and users

Laboratories performing asbestos testing, environmental and occupational hygiene consultants, building surveyors, regulators and manufacturers or suppliers of mineral products and construction materials use this standard to obtain quantitative asbestos mass fractions when qualitative screening is insufficient. It supports regulatory classification, remediation decision-making, material safety assessment and verification of mineral product purity.

Related standards

ISO 22262 is a series; relevant parts include ISO 22262-1 (Sampling and qualitative determination of asbestos in commercial bulk materials — provides sampling and qualitative identification procedures) and ISO 22262-3 (Quantitative determination of asbestos by X-ray diffraction). The 2014 Part 2 edition has been superseded by a later ISO 22262-2 edition published in 2026.

Keywords

asbestos, bulk materials, vermiculite, quantitative determination, gravimetric separation, microscopy, polarized light microscopy, mass fraction, mineral powders, floor tiles, roofing, plasters.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 22262-2:2014 is the Part 2 document of the ISO 22262 series titled "Air quality — Bulk materials — Part 2: Quantitative determination of asbestos by gravimetric and microscopical methods", providing laboratory procedures to quantify low asbestos mass fractions in bulk materials.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample preparation, gravimetric concentration/separation, microscopical examination and reporting for quantifying asbestos mass fractions (primarily below ≈5 %) in matrices such as resilient floor tiles, asphaltic materials, roofing felts, wall/ceiling plasters, vermiculite and selected mineral powders or commercial products containing those minerals.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Accredited testing laboratories, environmental/occupational hygienists, building surveyors, regulators and manufacturers or suppliers of mineral and construction materials that need quantitative asbestos data for compliance, safety assessment or product verification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2014 edition (ISO 22262-2:2014) has been withdrawn and replaced by a later edition of ISO 22262-2 published in 2026; users should consult the 2026 edition for the current published requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 22262 is a multipart series addressing sampling, qualitative and quantitative determination of asbestos in bulk materials. Key related parts include ISO 22262-1 (sampling and qualitative identification) and ISO 22262-3 (quantitative determination by XRD).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: asbestos; quantitative determination; bulk materials; gravimetric; microscopy; vermiculite; talc; floor tiles; roofing felts; plasters.