Quality and reliability
Why Onelab's analysis is reliable
Every sample we handle is analysed to the ISO 22262-1 standard with a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope. That is the international standard for the industry - and from 21 December 2026 Finnish law requires an electron microscope for counting fibres in air samples.
ISO 22262-1
International standard
JEOL SEM-EDS
Electron microscope
21.12.2026
EM mandatory by law
0.01
fibres/cm³ - new limit value
Change in the law
The law changes: an electron microscope becomes mandatory on 21 December 2026
The Government Decree on the safety of asbestos work (VNA 798/2015) has been amended by Decree 886/2025. The change takes effect in two stages:
Phase 1 - 21.12.2025
New limit value entered into force
The binding limit value for all work involving asbestos exposure is 0.01 fibres/cm³ (measured over eight hours). Source: the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
Phase 2 - 21.12.2026
Electron microscope becomes mandatory
Asbestos fibres in air must be counted with an electron microscope or by a method of equivalent accuracy. The lower limit for fibre diameter also drops to 0.05 micrometres - below what a light microscope can reliably detect.
Source: VNA 886/2025; Tyosuojelu.fi application guidance, 21.12.2025.
Method comparison
JEOL SEM-EDS vs. a light microscope (PLM)
The ISO 22262-1 standard states that if a fibre cannot be reliably identified with a light microscope (PLM), the sample must be analysed with a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope. Onelab uses a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope for every analysis.
Feature
Light microscopy (PLM)
JEOL SEM-EDS (Onelab)
Detection capability
Fibres ≥ 0.25 µm in diameter
Fibres ≥ 0.05 µm (the legal lower limit from 21 December 2026)
Identification method
Visual - shape and colour
Elemental analysis (EDS) - chemical composition
Identification of all 6 types of asbestos
Limited
Yes - chemically verified
Meets the legal requirement from 21 December 2026
No
Yes
Role in the ISO 22262-1 standard
Initial screening
The confirmatory, definitive method
Standard
ISO 22262-1 - international standard for material samples
ISO 22262-1:2012 is an international standard for identifying asbestos in building materials. It defines the requirements for sampling, handling and analysis.
The standard says so directly: if analysis with a light microscope cannot identify the fibre with certainty, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray microanalysis (EDS) must be used. A JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope is therefore the confirmatory instrument the standard prescribes - not an option but a requirement in unclear cases.
Onelab analyses every sample with a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope from the outset - no ambiguity, no re-analysis. The results are chemically verified, not just visual assessments.
Industry organisations
The Finnish asbestos sector at a glance
A research and expert institute that published a statement on the new limit value of 0.01 fibres/cm³ and on the mandatory use of an electron microscope for air samples from 21 December 2026.
The Finnish Asbestos and Dust Remediation Association - representing companies and professionals in the sector since 1988.
The Indoor Air Association promotes putting research into practice and trains building owners and occupants in maintaining good indoor air quality.
A health organisation that warns about the diseases asbestos fibres cause: lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. It reminds owners that buildings constructed before 1994 need a harmful substance survey before demolition.
The trade association for the property management sector, representing more than 600 member companies. It promotes professional property management, which includes surveying buildings for harmful substances.
Company information
Company
Innosus Oy
Business ID
3105686-7
Address
Ukkohauentie 11-13A, 02170 Espoo
Phone
Website
Order an asbestos sample
JEOL SEM-EDS analysis to the ISO 22262-1 standard. Results on the day of arrival.