PO Box 26 Enfield Middlesex EN1 2NT Tel:Fax 020 8360 6413 Mesothelioma is caused by all types of asbestos blue, brown and white.

The transmission electron microscope is an instrument which projects a beam of high powered electrons through a thin specimen. An image is produced which is then recorded photographically.

In order to identify the asbestos fibres, a technique called X-ray micro analysis is used. A beam of high energy electrons is focused on to one point on a sample in the electron microscope. These electrons strike the specimen and transfer energy to it. X-rays are produced which carry information about the elements present in the point sampled.

A computer collects the information and traces are drawn. X-ray micro analysis and observations of fibres provide a great deal of information about asbestos. This is then used by OEDA to investigate the connection between asbestos and disease.

'Blue', 'Brown' and 'White' asbestos samples as seen by the electron microscope.