Work environment of plants manufacturing asbestos-containing products in Japan

In 1985, a comprehensive study of asbestos-containing product plants (A/C, friction, textile) was performed. The data presented were based not on personal but on area sampling. A conversion equation from area sampling data to personal exposure values was developed. Exposure concentrations were 0.07-0.66 f ml-1. In workplaces which belonged to member companies of the Japan Asbestos Association, the percentage of workplaces whose exposure concentrations was less than 0.3 f ml-1 was 70% in 1985 (N = 510), but 98% in 1992 (N = 430). Concentrations in a new, well-controlled A/C plant were less than 0.1 f ml-1.