NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Community asbestos exposure in Globe, Arizona.

Ing R; Falk H; Lemen RA; Carson G; Kelter A; Sarn J; Gray M

J Pediatr 1981 Sep; 99(3):409-411

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3476(81)80329-0

00129278

Asbestos (1332214) exposure was evaluated in a small mobile home subdivision built around a mill which had processed chrysotile asbestos ore. Families had lived in the subdivision for an average of 2 years. Asbestos mill tailings had been used as the primary landfill material before partial covering with topsoil. Laboratory analyses for asbestos in air, soil, and household articles were performed. A questionnaire survey on exposure of all residents was administered. Residents with other sources of asbestos exposure or who were cigarette smokers were identified. Asbestos fibers contaminated most of the home sites. Airborne asbestos fibers in undisturbed indoor and outdoor air were measured in concentrations up to 4,000 fibers per cubic meter. Selected soil samples contained at least 5 percent asbestos in 44 of the 50 home lots. The soil contained over 50 percent asbestos in four samples. Concentrations of asbestos fibers from household articles as high as 350,000 fibers per cubic meter were found. The authors describe plans to continue to examine these residents, particularly the young children whose long life expectancies exceed the prolonged latent periods for asbestos related disease. The need to identify and mark waste disposal sites which are not suitable for human habitation is noted.

NIOSH-Author; Airborne-particles; Asbestos-dust; Environmental-exposure; Environmental-hazards; Asbestosis; Health-hazards; Disease-incidence; Medical-surveys

JOPDAB

1332-21-4

19810901

Journal Article

1981

3

0022-3476

Journal of Pediatrics