Methodological support for measures to control and monitor the effects of industrial fibers on human health

Abstract

Industrial fibers and materials, containing industrial fibers, are currently widely used in industrial and civil construction, and many other sectors of the national economy. Methodological approaches for monitoring workers and general population exposure to these fibers in the country should be improved. In this regard, drafts of four new methodical documents were developed, and one of existing methodical document was changed. Two documents are related to the determination of concentrations of industrial fibers in the air of a working zone and environment using phase-contrast optical and scanning electron microscopy. The scanning electron microscopy technique is considered as primary, allowing the determination of the types of industrial fibers in the air, and phase-contrast optical microscopy is the appropriate method for use at the relevant industrial enterprises. Two other interconnected documents contain an algorithm for examining various objects in order to identify potential sources of air pollution by industrial fibers and, also the fact of former air pollutions, which will allow assessing the risks (probability) of workers and general population exposure to industrial fibers. The proposed methods have been tested by field studies and harmonized with similar foreign ones to allow comparison. The current method of measuring of the mass concentration of dust in the air of the working zone does not comply with the current legislation and does not allow comparing the obtained results of measurements of individual types of dust with the existing national standards.