Quality and reliability
Why an Asbestipro analysis holds up
Every one of our samples is analysed with a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope in line with the ISO 22262-1 standard. That is the international standard for this work - and from 2026 Finnish law will require an electron microscope for analysing air samples.
ISO 22262-1
International standard
JEOL SEM-EDS
Electron microscope
21.12.2026
Electron microscope required by law
0,01
fibres/cm³ - the new limit value
Change in the law
The law is changing: an electron microscope becomes mandatory in 2026
The Government Decree on the safety of asbestos work (798/2015) has been amended by Decree 886/2025. The change takes effect in two stages:
Stage 1 - 21 December 2025
The new limit value is already in force
The action limit for asbestos fibres drops to 0,01 fibres/cm³ (measured as an eight-hour value). Source: Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
Stage 2 - 21 December 2026
An electron microscope becomes mandatory
Asbestos fibres in air must be counted with an electron microscope or with an approach that reaches the same analytical accuracy. The lower limit for fibre diameter also drops to 0,05 micrometres - a value a light microscope cannot detect reliably.
Source: Government Decree 886/2025, Tyosuojelu.fi application guidance 21 December 2025.
Instrument comparison
JEOL SEM-EDS vs. the light microscope (PLM)
The ISO 22262-1 standard requires that when a fibre cannot be identified with certainty under a light microscope (PLM), the sample has to be analysed with a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope. Asbestipro uses the JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope for every single analysis.
Property
Light microscope (PLM)
JEOL SEM-EDS (Asbestipro)
Detection capability
Fibres ≥ 0,25 µm in diameter
Fibres ≥ 0,05 µm (the new legal lower limit in 2026)
How a fibre is identified
Visually - by shape and colour
Elemental analysis (EDS) - chemical composition
Identifies all 6 asbestos types
Limited
Yes - chemically confirmed
Meets the new legal definition in 2026
No
Yes
Role in the ISO 22262-1 standard
Initial screening
Confirming and final analysis
Standard
ISO 22262-1 - the international standard for material samples
ISO 22262-1:2012 is the international standard for identifying asbestos in building materials. It sets out the requirements for sampling, handling and analysis.
The standard says it plainly: if analysis under a light microscope cannot identify a fibre with certainty, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with X-ray microanalysis (EDS) must be used. The JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope is therefore the confirming instrument the standard calls for - not an alternative, but a requirement whenever the result is unclear.
Asbestipro analyses every sample directly with the JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope - no ambiguity, no repeat analysis. The results are chemically confirmed, not just visual estimates.
Industry organisations
The Finnish asbestos sector in context
The research and expert institute that issued the statement on the new limit value of 0,01 fibres/cm³ and on the mandatory use of an electron microscope from 2026.
The trade association for the sector, representing its companies and professionals since 1988.
The society moves research findings into everyday practice and trains building owners and occupants in keeping indoor air healthy.
A health organisation that warns about the diseases asbestos fibres cause: lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. It reminds owners that buildings put up before 1994 need a hazardous material investigation before demolition work.
The trade body for property management, representing more than 600 member companies. It promotes professional care of buildings, which includes surveying them for hazardous materials.
Company details
Company
Suomen Asbestipro Oy
Business ID
1581184-2
Address
Ukkohauentie 11-13A, 02170 Espoo
Phone
Website
Asbestos surveys you can rely on
Analysis with a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope in line with the ISO 22262-1 standard. Results within one working day.