Baseline Studies of Asbestos Exposure During Operations and Maintenance Activities

Abstract

Abstract Eight simulations of installation, repair, remodeling, and maintenance tasks in buildings with asbestos-containing material (ACM) were conducted to investigate worker exposure to airborne asbestos. Since the tasks were performed using typical custodial and maintenance procedures without regard to the presence of ACM, the results contribute to establishing exposure baselines for custodial and maintenance workers. These baselines can also be used to judge the effectiveness of special operations and maintenance programs designed to minimize asbestos exposure in buildings which contain asbestos materials. Six different types of tasks (moving an office wall, cleaning a storage area, replacing ceiling tile, repairing/installing electrical fixtures, repairing plaster, and removing carpet) and two types of ACM (fireproofing and acoustical plaster) were included in the eight simulations. Exposure was measured by monitoring levels of airborne asbestos before, during, and after the task (and for two simulat...