Assessment of the possibility of air pollution by asbestos fibres during the operation of road surfaces containing stabilizing asbestos-containing additives

Abstract

Introduction. Using materials containing mineral fibres in road construction requires consideration of the risk of air pollution by fibrous particles. The purpose of the study was to assess the possibility of air pollution by asbestos fibres during the operation of road surfaces containing chrysotile asbestos. Materials and Methods. Nine air samples, three dust samples and one asphalt pavement sample were taken on the federal highway. Results. The concentration of asbestos fibres in the air was below the detection limit of ≤ 0.0001 f/ml. When all nine air samples were examined, no asbestos fibres were found. Two agglomerates and one bundle of chrysotile asbestos fibres were found in all three dust samples, which were most likely a part of the road surface. Most fibres were bound with other particles in a single agglomerate in the asphalt sample. The content of asbestos fibres in all three dust samples was less than 0.1%, and the size of the conglomerates did not fit the definition of “respirable fibres”. Limitations. 1) the assessment of air pollution by asbestos fibres was carried out only at one stage (operation) of the pavement life cycle (from production to disposal); 2) a complete assessment of air pollution on highways by all types of particulate particles was not carried out (only asbestos fibres and other fibrous particles were taken into account). Conclusion. At the time of the study, no atmospheric air pollution by free chrysotile asbestos fibres was detected near the highway; the average concentration for the entire time of sampling, as well as the concentrations in each of the samples, was below the detection limit of the method and amounted to ≤0.0001 f/ml, thereby not exceeding the regulatory indicators provided for both in Russia (Sanitary rules and standards 1.2.3685-21 from 28.01.21) and in Germany (TRGS 519). This study is a single-stage screening study. More research is needed to assess the possibility of air pollution by asbestos fibres throughout the entire life cycle of road surfaces constructed using asbestos-containing stabilizing additives (from production to disposal).