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Occupational exposure to asbestos in the drywall taping process
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
|April 1, 1980
Summary
Drywall taping operations, especially sanding, release high levels of airborne asbestos dust exceeding occupational health standards. This poses significant risks to workers, their families, and consumers, necessitating control measures.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- Drywall taping involves processes that may generate airborne asbestos fibers.
- Previous research on asbestos exposure during drywalling is limited in certain regions.
- Occupational health standards exist to protect workers from asbestos-related diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify airborne asbestos fiber concentrations during drywall taping operations in Alberta, Canada.
- To assess the risk posed by asbestos exposure to workers, household contacts, and consumers.
- To evaluate the adequacy of current and proposed occupational health standards.
Main Methods:
- Air sampling was conducted during various drywall taping tasks, including mixing, sanding, and sweeping.
- Asbestos fiber concentrations were measured using established industrial hygiene methods.
- Data analysis compared measured concentrations against existing and proposed occupational health standards.
Main Results:
- Mixing, sanding, and sweeping operations generated significant levels of airborne asbestos dust.
- Measured asbestos concentrations frequently exceeded occupational health standards.
- Sanding was identified as the most hazardous operation, with the highest fiber concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Drywall taping poses a significant asbestos exposure risk, particularly during sanding.
- Current occupational health standards may not be sufficiently protective for drywall workers.
- Control measures are essential to mitigate health hazards for workers, household contacts, and consumers.