[Exposure to respirable asbestos fibers at various stage of asbestos removal work]

Damaged asbestos-containing materials are the source of asbestos fibers released into the outdoor or indoor environment. The highest risk concerns asbestos removal workers, and also other people staying near the performed work. The aim of this project was to analyze and assess air concentrations of asbestos fibers in different types of buildings with asbestos-containing elements under normal operation, as well as during demolition, renovation and maintenance work.

Air samples were collected using stationary and individual aspirators from the breathing zone of people at different locations. The concentration of respirable fibers was determined in accordance with Polish Standard PN-88 Z-04202/02. Air sampling was carried out inside buildings before and during removal of asbestos products, as well as in ambient and indoor air after completing dismantling and repair works.

The analysis included 2925 measurements carried out during 2003-2010. Concentrations of respirable asbestos fibers in buildings containing asbestos installations, during their normal operation ranged from 0 to 0.0043 fiber/cm3. Measurements taken at the workposts during removal of asbestos-cement materials showed the average asbestos fiber concentrations of 0.0652 fiber/cm3 and 0.0141 fiber/cm3 for work carried out inside and outside the buildings, respectively.

The concentrations of asbestos respirable fibers inside the buildings containing asbestos elements were low, far beyond the hygiene standard. The highest concentrations of asbestos fibers and the highest percentage of the measurement results exceeding hygiene standard were found at the workposts inside buildings during asbestos removal.