An asbestos hazard in the reprocessed textile industry

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Science
• Industrial Hygiene

Background:

• Epidemiologic studies noted increased lung cancer and mesothelioma risks in Prato's textile reprocessing workers.
• Previous asbestos exposure was not recognized as a potential hazard in this industry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential past or present asbestos exposure in the textile reprocessing industry.
• To identify sources and types of asbestos contamination.

Main Methods:

• Conducted industrial hygiene investigation across 13 textile reprocessing facilities.
• Utilized walk-through surveys, environmental sampling, process reviews, and worker/management interviews.
• Identified asbestos-contaminated polypropylene bags used in rag baling.

Main Results:

• Asbestos-contaminated polypropylene bags, containing chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite, were found in 2 of 13 establishments.
• Workers handled these bags, leading to direct asbestos exposure.
• Bales of rags covered with these bags were distributed globally.

Conclusions:

• Asbestos exposure from contaminated bags is a confirmed hazard in this industry.
• This exposure likely contributed to the observed excess cancer risks.
• Historical asbestos exposure sources require further examination.