This study assessed airborne fiber exposures from intact asbestos-containing gaskets and packings while activities representative of historical work practices were performed. The study design eliminated analytical interferences while systematically capturing information related to activity variables. A series of gasket and packing activities was conducted according to traditional methods while sampling was performed to determine the 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). The fittings used during this study were obtained intact from a decommissioned industrial power plant and U.S. Navy destroyers. The activities tested included flat blade scraping, hand wire brushing, power wire brushing, making gaskets with a ball-peen hammer, and stem packing removal and replacement. All activities were performed dry. Results for every area and personal sample showed the 8-hour TWAs were well below the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit of 0.1 f/cc. A database of more than 400 points was developed to analyze information from variable factors related to the tests. These factors included, for example, type of gasket, composition of the gasket, percentage of gasket adhering to a flange surface, gasket surface area, and minutes elapsed for removal. The results demonstrate a very low rate of fiber exposure from routine activities associated with asbestos-containing elastomeric gaskets and impregnated packing.

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The study summarizes about the indoor air quality of the buildings. Historically, the concept of indoor air quality (IAQ) has included view points that outdoor ventilation air is required both to prevent adverse health effects and to provide for comfort of occupants. It has been observed that airborne contagious diseases and malodor are more prominent in the crowded places with deficient ventilation. The different approaches that can be used during IAQ evaluations reflect the varied kinds of problems that can occur in buildings. Higher morbidity and mortality in developing countries have multifactorial causes, with contaminated food, water, and air as major risk factors. An ASHRAE ventilation standard recommends the provision of outdoor air rate per person to lower the risk of diseases. The article focuses IAQ evaluation protocols and guidelines, Canadian and EPA guides, etc.

Comprehensive employee health examinations along with work-place area and personal monitoring were conducted to evaluate potential exposure to 2-nitropropane. The employee cross section included in the study consisted of nearly all workers at the plant. The entire workforce was represented, including those who did not have contact with 2-nitropropane. No adverse health effects were found which could be connected with work experience. Body systems evaluated included: lungs, liver, kidney, blood, skin and cardiovascular. Work area levels at specific locations sometimes exceeded 25 ppm, but personal time-weighted average levels generally were below 25 ppm.

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