Airborne Asbestos In Public Buildings - (1990)

Airborne Asbestos in Public Buildings: A Comprehensive Overview for Legal and Medical Contexts

Abstract
The study "Airborne Asbestos in Public Buildings" by J. Chesson, J. Hatfield, B. Schultz, E. Dutrow, and J. Blake, published in Environmental Research (1990), investigates airborne asbestos levels in 49 government-owned buildings. Conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the research categorizes buildings based on the condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and measures airborne asbestos levels using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The findings reveal that while airborne asbestos levels are generally low, they are higher in buildings with damaged ACMs. This study underscores the importance of maintaining ACMs in good condition to minimize exposure risks.

Legal Relevance
This study provides critical evidence for asbestos-related legal claims, particularly for individuals exposed to asbestos in public or occupational settings. Key legal implications include:

1. Evidence Pathways: The study demonstrates a direct correlation between damaged ACMs and elevated airborne asbestos levels, supporting claims of exposure in poorly maintained buildings.
2. Occupational History Relevance: For individuals working in or frequenting buildings with damaged ACMs, this study strengthens the argument that their exposure was preventable with proper maintenance.
3. Counterarguments to Defense Claims: Defendants often argue that airborne asbestos levels in public buildings are negligible. This study counters such claims by showing that while levels are generally low, they are significantly higher in buildings with damaged ACMs, posing a measurable risk.

Occupation Groups at Risk
The study highlights several occupational groups at heightened risk of asbestos exposure due to their frequent presence in buildings with ACMs. These include:

• Construction Workers: Often involved in renovations or demolitions, they are at risk of disturbing ACMs, leading to fiber release.
• Maintenance Staff: Regularly working in areas with damaged ACMs, they face prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos.
• Teachers and School Staff: Many older schools contain ACMs, and damaged materials can expose educators and students to asbestos fibers.
• Custodial Workers: Cleaning and maintaining buildings with ACMs can disturb fibers, especially in poorly maintained environments.
• Government Employees: Working in older government-owned buildings with damaged ACMs increases their risk of exposure.
• Healthcare Workers: Hospitals and medical facilities built before asbestos bans may still contain ACMs, posing risks to staff and patients.

Current Medical Understanding
The study aligns with current medical knowledge, which recognizes that asbestos exposure is most hazardous when ACMs are disturbed or damaged, releasing fibers into the air. While the study confirms that airborne asbestos levels in buildings are generally low, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining ACMs in good condition to prevent exposure. This understanding reinforces the need for stringent asbestos management policies to protect public health.

Citation
Chesson, J., Hatfield, J., Schultz, B., Dutrow, E., & Blake, J. (1990). Airborne asbestos in public buildings. Environmental Research, 51(1), 100-107. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0013-9351(05)80186-0

National Library of Medicine Link
For further details, you can access the study on the National Library of Medicine's website: Airborne Asbestos in Public Buildings.

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