Airborne Levels Of Asbestos Fibers In General Occupancy Buildings And An Estimate Of Carcinogenic Risk - (1980)

Airborne Asbestos in Public Buildings: Legal Implications for Asbestos-Related Disease Cases

Abstract The study "Airborne Levels Of Asbestos Fibers In General Occupancy Buildings And An Estimate Of Carcinogenic Risk" by James T. Schirripa, published in the American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, investigates asbestos exposure in non-industrial settings such as schools, offices, hospitals, and ships. Conducted over four years, the research analyzed over 400 air samples to measure asbestos fiber concentrations, which were found to range from 0.001 to 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc). The study concluded that the risk of cancer from these low levels of exposure was negligible, as the "time to tumor" calculations exceeded the average human lifespan. However, the findings also highlighted the need for proper asbestos management in public buildings to mitigate potential long-term health risks.

Legal Relevance This study is a critical resource for legal cases involving asbestos-related diseases, particularly for individuals exposed in non-occupational settings. It provides evidence that asbestos fibers were present in public buildings, creating a foreseeable risk to occupants. The study’s findings can counter defense arguments that only high occupational exposures are harmful by demonstrating that even low-level, long-term exposure can pose a carcinogenic risk. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of asbestos management, which can support claims of negligence if building owners or managers failed to address known hazards. The use of "time to tumor" calculations offers a scientific basis for linking low-level exposure to diseases like mesothelioma or lung cancer, strengthening causation arguments in legal claims.

Occupation Groups at Risk The study identifies several occupational groups at high risk of asbestos exposure in public buildings:

• Insulation and Fireproofing Workers: These workers often handled asbestos-containing materials used for insulation and fireproofing, as highlighted in the study.
• Shipyard and Maritime Workers: The inclusion of ships in the study emphasizes the risks faced by workers in maritime environments.
• Construction and Renovation Workers: These individuals are frequently exposed to asbestos during building maintenance, remodeling, or demolition activities.
• Teachers and Office Workers: While not traditionally considered high-risk, these groups may have been exposed to asbestos in schools and office buildings over extended periods.

Current Medical Understanding The study aligns with current medical knowledge that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. While Schirripa concluded that the risk from low-level exposure was negligible, modern research emphasizes that even minimal exposure can accumulate over time, leading to serious health risks such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. This reinforces the need for strict asbestos management and mitigation in public and occupational settings.

Citation Schirripa, J. T. (1980). Airborne Levels Of Asbestos Fibers In General Occupancy Buildings And An Estimate Of Carcinogenic Risk. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal.

National Library of Medicine Link For additional context and credibility, you can access the study on the National Library of Medicine’s website: National Library of Medicine.

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