Exposure to asbestos during brake maintenance of automotive vehicles by different methods

Journal Article · Fri May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/15298668791385101· OSTI ID:6465140

Kauppinen, T; Korhonen, K

Asbestos concentrations were measured during the different operations of brake maintenance of passenger cars, trucks and buses in 24 Finnish workplaces. The estimated average asbestos exposure during the workday (8-hr time-weighted average) was 0.1-0.2 fibers/cm/sup 3/ during brake repair of trucks or buses, and under 0.05 f/cm/sup 3/ during repair of passenger car brakes when the background concentration was not included in the calculations. The background concentration was estimated to be less than 0.1 f/cm/sup 3/. During brake maintenance of buses and trucks, heavy exposure, 0.3-125 (mean 56) f/cm/sup 3/, was observed during machine grinding of new brake linings if local exhaust was not in use. Other short-term operations during which the concentration exceeded 1 f/cm/sup 3/ were the cleaning of brakes with a brush, wet cloth or compressed air jet. During brake servicing of passenger cars, the concentration of asbestos exceeded 1 f/cm/sup 3/ only during compressed air blowing without local exhaust. The different methods of decreasing the exposure and the risk of asbestos-related diseases among car mechanics are discussed.

• Research Organization: Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
• OSTI ID: 6465140
• Journal Information: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States) Vol. 5; ISSN AIHAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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