THE PROBLEM:

A national corporation was involved in litigation over allegations that they were using asbestos in the manufacture of hair dryers.

THE ANALYSES:

MVA was asked to examine the hair dryer for evidence of asbestos. The hair dryer was opened and each part was examined by light microscopy. The lint found associated with the dryer was analyzed for asbestos following the analytical procedures following a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency test method. Other components were also tested.

THE OUTCOME:

No asbestos was found in the lint. The insulating material was mica. No asbestos was found in the materials used to construct the hair dryer.