An Evaluation of Potential Occupational Exposure to Asbestiform Amphiboles near a Former Vermiculite Mine

Details

• Personal Author:
  Baldwin CE ; Elashheb MI ; Hart JF ; Salo MN ; Spear TM ; Ward TJ
• Description:
  Amphibole asbestos (AA) has been detected on the surface of tree bark in forests neighboring an abandoned vermiculite mine near Libby, Montana. In the present study, simulations were performed to assess potential AA exposure associated with United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service (FS) occupational activities. Bark samples were collected prior, and personal breathing zone (PBZ) and Tyvek clothing wipe samples were collected during and immediately after trials that simulated FS activities. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses revealed AA bark concentrations up to 15 million structures per square centimeter (s/cm2) AA was detected in 25% of the PBZ TEM samples. AA was detected on wipe samples collected from all activities evaluated. This research demonstrates the potential for airborne exposure and transport of AA in the Kootenai National Forest. These findings are especially relevant to those that work in the area and to the general public who may conduct recreational activities. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Air Pollutants, Occupational Air Pollution Asbestos Environmental Pollution Inorganic Chemicals Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Air Pollutants Air Quality Measurement Environmental Contamination Mine Shafts Vermiculite
• ISSN:
  1687-9805
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Montana ; OSHA Region 8
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  2009
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20056150
• Citation:
  J Environ Public Health 2009 Nov; 2009:189509
• Contact Point Address:
  Julie F. Hart, Department of Safety, Health, and Industrial Hygiene, Montana Tech of The University of Montana, 1300 W. Park Street, Butte, MT 59701, USA
• Email:
  jhart@mtech.edu
• CAS Registry Number:
  Amphibole-group minerals (CAS RN 1318-09-8)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2010
• Performing Organization:
  Montana Technological University
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  Journal of Environmental and Public Health
• End Date:
  20290630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:569ca2cac41ffe4a85c191a69f1592e4e5c0fc344708e7b4c78f69c96c68d8ce8675d46f78c0b8d07907f142bacc06a703fa2fec0612f102d3231278aab0b7fa
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/213809/cdc_213809_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 1.86 MB ]