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Airborne asbestos in public buildings
J Chesson1, J Hatfield, B Schultz
1Chesson Consulting, Washington, D.C. 20036.
Environmental Research
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Airborne asbestos levels in U.S. public buildings are generally low, even in structures with damaged asbestos-containing material. Outdoor air had the lowest levels, while damaged asbestos sites showed the highest, though differences were minimal.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present in many U.S. government buildings.
- Understanding airborne asbestos concentrations is crucial for assessing public health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively assess airborne asbestos levels in U.S. public buildings.
- To compare indoor asbestos levels with outdoor levels and across different ACM conditions.
Main Methods:
- Air sampling in 49 government buildings and surrounding outdoor areas.
- Categorization of buildings based on ACM presence and condition (none, good, damaged).
- Analysis of air samples using transmission electron microscopy with direct transfer preparation.
Main Results:
- A trend of increasing average airborne asbestos levels from outdoor to indoor environments.
- Highest average levels detected in buildings with damaged ACMs, but absolute levels were low.
- Differences in asbestos levels between indoor/outdoor and building categories were small.
Conclusions:
- Airborne asbestos levels in U.S. public buildings are generally low during normal activities.
- Elevated levels are possible, particularly during maintenance or renovation disturbing ACMs.
- Findings align with comparable international studies indicating low general exposure risks.