A study of airborne chrysotile concentrations associated with handling, unpacking, and repacking boxes of automobile clutch discs

Response to a letter to the Editor by Dr. David Egilman and Mr. John Schilling regarding the article by Donovan et al. (2011)

“…When studies are considered individually, only one simulation study included samples collected at 50 feet (Jiang et al, 2008). In this study, 23 of 24 samples collected at this distance were below the LOD (consistent with our model predictions), and the remaining sample had an airborne asbestos concentration of 0.003 f/cc.…”

Egilman’s assessment regarding exposures of auto mechanics to amphiboles is not accurate

“…It is noteworthy that virtually all reliable studies employing sensitive analytical techniques have failed to detect amphibole fibers in asbestos-containing brakes and associated wear debris (Weir et al, 2001;Blake et al, 2003;Boelter and Spencer, 2003;RJ Lee Group Inc., 2004;Cohen and Van Orden, 2008;Jiang et al, 2008;Madl et al, 2008). Amphibole fibers, like tremolite, if present, are destroyed by the pressure and heat of braking, just as chrysotile is (Candela et al, 2007).…”

Asbestos Exposure among Transmission Mechanics in Automotive Repair Shops

“…Amphiboles have not been detected in previous studies of transmission mechanics (Blake et al, 2008;Jiang, et al, 2008). Beginning in the 1980s, chrysotile was gradually replaced in clutch products used in the United States with other acceptable substitutes (Jiang, et al, 2008).…”

“…Asbestos containing clutch parts have been used since the early twentieth century (Jiang, et al, 2008;Cohen & Van Orden, 2008). Traditionally, chrysotile was the type of asbestos used in clutch parts, comprising 30% to 60% of the material (Jiang, et al, 2008;Yeung, et al, 1999).…”

“…Traditionally, chrysotile was the type of asbestos used in clutch parts, comprising 30% to 60% of the material (Jiang, et al, 2008;Yeung, et al, 1999). Amphiboles have not been detected in previous studies of transmission mechanics (Blake et al, 2008;Jiang, et al, 2008). Beginning in the 1980s, chrysotile was gradually replaced in clutch products used in the United States with other acceptable substitutes (Jiang, et al, 2008).…”