Although asbestos has been banned or strictly regulated in many countries, it remains present in numerous buildings, industrial facilities and infrastructure constructed before these restrictions came into force. Once valued for its fire resistance and insulating properties, asbestos can pose a risk when materials are disturbed during maintenance, refurbishment or demolition work.
Because asbestos fibers are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, effective asbestos management begins with reliable identification. Laboratory analysis provides the information needed to determine the presence, type and condition of asbestos-containing materials, enabling organizations to assess potential risks, plan work safely and comply with applicable occupational health and safety requirements.
Why asbestos remains a concern
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were widely incorporated into construction materials, insulation, roofing products, floor coverings and industrial equipment throughout the twentieth century.
When these materials deteriorate or are damaged, they can release airborne fibers that may be inhaled. Long-term exposure has been linked to serious diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Although new asbestos-containing materials are no longer used in many countries, existing buildings and installations continue to require careful management to protect workers, occupants and the environment.
When asbestos investigations are required
Asbestos investigations are generally carried out before any activity likely to disturb existing materials. This includes renovation, demolition, maintenance work or changes to building layouts. Investigations may also be required when purchasing older properties, updating asbestos management plans or assessing aging construction materials whose composition is uncertain.
The objective is not only to determine whether asbestos is present, but also to identify the type of asbestos and assess the condition and friability of the material. These findings help organizations evaluate potential risks and determine appropriate control measures before work begins.
In Mauritius, asbestos management is governed by the Occupational Safety and Health (Control of Asbestos at Work) Regulations 2014, which establish requirements for the identification, handling and removal of asbestos in workplaces.
How we support organizations
We provide technical expertise throughout the asbestos management process, from sampling and laboratory analysis to the interpretation of analytical results.
Laboratory testing enables organizations to determine whether asbestos is present in building materials or industrial installations and provides the information needed to support risk assessments and project planning.
Our experts also help clients understand laboratory findings and their implications, supporting informed decisions regarding asbestos management or removal in accordance with applicable regulations.
During and after asbestos removal projects, inspections and verification activities can also be carried out to confirm that work has been completed in line with established requirements and that affected areas can be safely reoccupied where appropriate.
Laboratory techniques used for asbestos identification
Reliable asbestos identification requires specialized analytical methods capable of distinguishing asbestos fibers from other mineral particles.
Polarized light microscopy (PLM) is commonly used to identify asbestos in bulk materials by analyzing their optical characteristics. Where more detailed examination is required, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM) provides higher resolution analysis, enabling a more precise identification of fiber structure and composition.
Using complementary laboratory techniques ensures that technical decisions are based on accurate and reliable analytical results.
Beyond buildings: soils, infrastructure and rehabilitation projects
Asbestos investigations are not limited to buildings. They may also involve soils, fill materials, rocks and construction waste generated during infrastructure, demolition or land rehabilitation projects.
These environments often contain heterogeneous materials that require representative sampling and specialized laboratory analysis. The results support decisions relating to material handling, waste management and remediation strategies.
For complex projects, we can also provide technical guidance and training to help organizations establish consistent asbestos management practices throughout the different phases of a project.
Supporting informed decision-making
Although asbestos is no longer widely used, it remains a consideration for many existing buildings, industrial sites and infrastructure assets. Identifying asbestos before work begins is an important step in protecting workers, building occupants and the surrounding environment.
By combining laboratory analysis, inspections and technical expertise, we help organizations better understand asbestos-related risks and support informed decision-making throughout renovation, maintenance and rehabilitation projects.
For further information, please contact:
Bushra Mungur
Laboratory Manager
Industries & Environment
t: +230 696 8808
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).
