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  METHODOLOGY (Technique)
XRD IR or FTIR Chemical or Colorimetric Thermal Analysis
Applicability Universal Coal or specific evaluated matrix Specific evaluated matrix Thermal analysis not well suited for air samples.
Ability to reanalyze samples Non-destructive Non-destructive to analyte, destructive to matrix Destructive to analyte and matrix Generally destructive toward matrix.
MSDS use MSDS often useful MSDS needed for non-evaluated matrices MSDS needed MSDS needed
Field information Type or description of operation Type or description of operation Type or description of operation Type or description of operation
Interferences List specific crystalline interferences known to be present at worksite List chemical interferences known to be present at worksite List crystalline and chemical interferences known to be present at worksite. Interferences include ionic fluorides, e.g., CaF2 No likely interferences except perhaps alkaline materials.
Information needed Air volume and sample mass Air volume and sample mass Air volume and sample mass (Bulks only)
Confirmation of analytes Confirmation readily available Confirmation possible No confirmation generally available. Bulks may be confirmed by microscopy. No additional confirmation needed; very specific to quartz.
Ability to distinguish analogs and polymorphs Can analyze quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite in diverse respirable dust matrices Can analyze quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite in specific respirable dust matrices Can analyze but not distinguish quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite in many respirable dust matrices Can analyze quartz in many bulk matrices
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