ISO 22262-3:2016 is primarily intended for quantitative analysis of samples in which asbestos has been identified at estimated mass fractions lower than approximately 5 % by weight.

ISO 22262-3:2016 extends the applicability and limit of detection of quantitative analysis by the use of simple procedures of ashing and/or acid treatment prior to XRD quantification.

ISO 22262-3:2016 is applicable to the asbestos-containing materials identified in ISO 22262‑1. The following are examples of sample matrices:

a) any building materials in which asbestos was detected by the analysis in ISO 22262‑1;

b) resilient floor tiles, asphaltic materials, roofing felts and any other materials in which asbestos is embedded in an organic matrix and in which asbestos was detected when using ISO 22262‑1;

c) wall and ceiling plasters, with or without aggregate, in which asbestos was detected when using ISO 22262‑1.

If non-asbestiform serpentine or non-asbestiform amphibole minerals are included in the matrix, the XRD peaks that are assumed to be "possible peaks of asbestos" will represent these minerals. This method is not for application to natural minerals that may contain asbestos or any products that incorporate such natural minerals. This method is intended only for application to building material samples that contain deliberately added commercial grade asbestos including tremolite asbestos.

ISO 22262-3:2016 is intended for use by analysts who are familiar with X-ray diffraction methods and the other analytical procedures specified in the References [5] and [6]. It is not the intention of this part of ISO 22262 to provide basic instruction in the fundamental analytical procedures.