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Industrial hygiene summary report of asbestos exposure assessment for brake mechanics.

Authors
Roberts DR; Zumwalde RD
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, IWS 32-4a, 1982 Nov; :1-42
Link
https://ntrl.ntis.gov/NTRL/dashboard/searchResults/titleDetail/PB87105433.xhtml
NIOSHTIC No.
00133792
Abstract
An industrial hygiene study was conducted to assess airborne asbestos (1332214) exposures from vehicle brake maintenance and repair (SIC-7539), and work practices used by mechanics. Personal and general area air samples were collected at six automobile and truck brake service facilities and analyzed for time weighted average (TWA) and peak asbestos fiber concentrations. Bulk samples were collected and analyzed for asbestos fiber content and size. The TWA and peak asbestos concentrations varied with the assembly cleaning methods and time required for cleaning. TWA values of 8 of 13 mechanics exceeded NIOSH recommended standards of 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter (cc) greater than 5 microns in length, but all were within current OSHA standards of 2 fibers/cc. Fiber concentrations for all cleaning methods except vacuuming were near the NIOSH recommended ceiling of 0.5 fibers/cc. Peak concentrations in two samples collected during compressed air cleaning exceeded the OSHA ceiling of 10 fibers/cc. General area TWA values ranged from 0.08 to 0.28 fibers/cc. The geometric mean chrysotile (12001295) fiber size was 1.7 microns (length) and 0.15 microns (diameter). Thirty percent were chrysotile, 20 percent forsterite, and 50 percent unknown. The authors conclude that excessive exposure to asbestos fibers occurs during brake servicing. Vacuum cleaning systems and NIOSH approved respiratory protection methods are recommended to reduce exposure.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Survey; Field-study; Mechanics; Airborne-fibers; Air-quality-monitoring; Occupational-exposure; Lung-irritants; Industrial-ventilation; Control-methods; IWS-32-4a
CAS No.
1332-21-4; 12001-29-5
Publication Date
19821122
Document Type
Field Studies; Industry Wide
Fiscal Year
1983
NTIS Accession No.
PB87-105433
NTIS Price
A04
Identifying No.
IWS-32-4a
NIOSH Division
DSHEFS
SIC Code
7539
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
State
OH
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division