Assessing asbestos exposure potential in nonindustrial settings

Journal Article · · J. Community Health; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01323479· OSTI ID:5979822

Chang, S N; White, L E; Scott, W D

The presence of asbestos containing materials (ACM) in office and commercial buildings is a significant environmental problem. Asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer have been linked with industrial exposure to airborne asbestos. The extensive use of asbestos products in buildings has raised concerns about the widespread exposure of the general public to asbestos in nonoccupational settings. The presence of asbestos in a building does not necessarily mean that significant exposure of the occupants of the building has occurred, but it is important that the asbestos be monitored regularly to ensure that fibers do not become airborne. If ACM are contained within a matrix and not disturbed, exposure is unlikely. However, if the asbestos becomes friable (crumbling) or if building maintenance, repair, renovation or other activities disturb ACM, airborne asbestos fibers may be a source of exposure to the occupants of the building. Currently, asbestos exposure assessment is conducted by a phase contrast light microscope (PCM) technique. Due to its inherent limitation in resolution and the generic counting rules used, analysis by the PCM method underestimates the airborne asbestos fiber concentration as compared to analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is important that the air monitoring results analyzed by PCM be interpreted carefully in conjunction with a survey by a professional to judge the physical condition of the ACM in buildings. Exposure levels to airborne asbestos fibers vary from day to day and depend on the physical condition of the material involved and the type of operating and maintenance program in place.

• Research Organization: Tulane Univ. School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA
• OSTI ID: 5979822
• Journal Information: J. Community Health; (United States), Journal Name: J. Community Health; (United States) Vol. 12:2-3; ISSN JCMHB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
ASBESTOS
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
MICROSCOPY
OPTICAL MICROSCOPY
POLLUTION