NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Asbestos exposure among construction workers.

Hisanaga N; Hosokawa M; Sakai K; Shibata E; Huang J; Takeuchi Y; Ono Y

Proceedings of the VIIth International Pneumoconioses Conference, August 23-26, 1988, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 90-108, 1990 Nov; (Pt II):1053-1058

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/90-108/

00198883

Asbestos (1332214) exposure among construction workers was examined with emphasis on the type of asbestos used in construction materials, the ambient asbestos concentration at construction work sites, and the working conditions of workers handling asbestos containing construction materials. Asbestos containing materials were randomly collected from construction work sites and the fibers were identified by electron microscopy. Dust concentrations at work sites were measured by the membrane filter method using phase contrast microscopy. Work conditions were surveyed by use of a self completion questionnaire. Chrysotile (12001295) and amosite (12172735) asbestos were frequently detected in samples of construction materials. Ambient asbestos concentrations ranged from ventilatory conditions. The prevalence of subjective respiratory symptoms increased as the frequency of handling asbestos containing materials increased. The authors conclude that construction workers are exposed to high concentrations of asbestos without proper exhaust ventilation equipment and respiratory protective equipment. On the basis of these results, there is an urgent need to work out sufficient countermeasures to minimize asbestos exposure at construction work sites.

Construction workers; Construction materials; Asbestos dust; Asbestos fibers; Occupational exposure; Occupational hazards; Work environment; Ventilation systems; Dust exposure

1332-21-4; 12001-29-5; 12172-73-5

19901101

Conference/Symposia Proceedings

1991

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 90-108

Proceedings of the VIIth International Pneumoconioses Conference, August 23-26, 1988, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

PA