SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 20 December 2021
STP163220200065

Asbestos Fiber Release Studies Using a Constructed Simulation Chamber

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When activities involving asbestos-containing materials are performed in a simulation chamber, the collection of air samples can provide critical information about the concentrations to which the individuals performing the tasks are exposed. Air sampling is used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during Superfund investigations (activity-based sampling), by industrial hygienists to determine the appropriateness of different types of personal protective equipment (exposure assessments), and in litigation to investigate the possible significance of historical exposures (work practice studies). Regardless of the application, the underlying concept of collecting air samples while performing an activity remains the same. The investigative approach using a testing chamber can be used to better understand each potential exposure because the study can be designed to keep as many variables constant as possible such that the asbestos-containing material and the task at hand are the only significant variables. To that end, air sampling conducted inside of a simulation chamber allows for reproducible investigation of a wide variety of tasks on different types of asbestos-containing materials. More than four dozen chamber study results are presented for various asbestos-containing materials, including friction linings (brakes for automotive passenger vehicles and heavy duty equipment), industrial piping and small engine gaskets, compressed packing, rope packing, cement pipe, dry powder construction materials (joint compound and wood putty), resinous and cementitious electrical components, heat shields (found in vintage consumer electronics and appliances), and woven fabrics.

Author Information

Compton, Steven, P.
MVA Scientific Consultants, Duluth, GA, US
Underwood, Matthew, R.
MVA Scientific Consultants, Duluth, GA, US
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Pages: 91–115
DOI: 10.1520/STP163220200065
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-7711-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-7710-9