Which statement about real-time asbestos monitoring is true?

• A. Real-time detectors provide reliable detection during work.
• B. Real-time monitoring is the standard method for regulatory compliance.
• C. Real-time monitoring is not practical; samples collected for PCM/TEM analysis.
• D. Real-time monitoring replaces PCM/TEM analysis.

Answer: (C)

Real-time monitoring isn’t practical for regulatory asbestos assessment because it can’t reliably identify asbestos fibers or provide the precise fiber counts needed for compliance. Real-time devices typically measure general particle concentration and can be affected by non-asbestos dust, humidity, and other variables, so they can’t distinguish asbestos fibers or determine their size and type the way lab methods can. For regulatory compliance and health risk evaluation, air samples must be collected and analyzed in a lab using PCM to count fibers and, when needed, TEM for definitive identification and lower detection limits. So the true statement is that real-time monitoring isn’t practical; samples are collected for PCM/TEM analysis. Real-time monitors may serve as screening or alert tools, but they do not replace laboratory PCM/TEM analysis.