This guide describes factors to be considered by an investigator designing a sampling program to compare the asbestos dust loadings in two environments and presents statistical methods for making the comparison. Each user is responsible for the design of an investigation and the interpretation of data collected when using dust data.

This guide does not deal with situations where dusts of different compositions or from different surfaces are to be evaluated.

This guide describes methods for interpreting the results of sampling and analysis performed in accordance with Test Methods D 5755, D 5756, and D 6480. It may be appropriate to use the procedures in this Guide with other dust collection and analysis methods, but it is the responsibility of the user to make this determination.

The methods described in this guide are not intended to be used alone. They are intended to be used along with various evaluation methods that may include consideration of building use, activities within the building, air sampling, asbestos surveys (refer to Practice E 2356), evaluation of building history and study of building ventilation systems.

This guide describes methods for comparing environments and does not draw any conclusions relating asbestos surface loadings to the potential safety or habitability of buildings.

This guide does not address risk assessments or the use of dust sampling in risk assessment. Health based risk assessments are beyond the scope of this guide.

Warning-Asbestos fibers are acknowledged carcinogens. Breathing asbestos fibers can result in disease of the lungs including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Precautions should be taken to avoid creating and breathing airborne asbestos particles when sampling and analyzing materials suspected of containing asbestos. Regulatory requirements addressing asbestos are defined by USEPA^{4 ,5} and OSHA⁶ .