Evaluation Of Airborne Asbestos Fiber Levels During Removal And Installation Of Valve Gaskets And Packing - (1992)

Understanding Asbestos Exposure Risks: Insights from a Key Study on Gasket and Packing Material Handling

Abstract
The study "Evaluation Of Airborne Asbestos Fiber Levels During Removal And Installation Of Valve Gaskets And Packing," authored by McKinnery and Moore (1992) and published in the American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, investigates the airborne asbestos fiber levels generated during the handling of asbestos-containing gaskets and packing materials. Conducted under controlled conditions replicating historical work practices, the study revealed that asbestos fiber concentrations often exceeded permissible exposure limits, particularly during dry removal processes. The materials tested contained 50-60% chrysotile asbestos in gaskets and 30-50% chrysotile in packing materials. The findings underscore the significant health risks posed by asbestos exposure in occupational settings.

Legal Relevance
This study provides critical evidence for asbestos-related legal claims, particularly for individuals diagnosed with diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer. Key legal implications include:

1. Evidence of Hazardous Exposure: The study demonstrates that routine industrial tasks, such as gasket and packing removal, released dangerous levels of asbestos fibers into the air. This evidence can be used to establish that employers and manufacturers were aware—or should have been aware—of the risks and failed to implement adequate safety measures.
2. Occupational History Relevance: The study replicates historical work practices, making it directly applicable to cases involving pipefitters, maintenance personnel, and other workers who handled asbestos-containing materials.
3. Counterarguments to Defense Claims: The findings counter common defense arguments that asbestos exposure levels were negligible or within safe limits. The study highlights that traditional measurement methods, such as Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM), often underestimated actual exposure levels compared to more sensitive techniques like Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).

By providing robust data on fiber release levels and associated risks, this study strengthens claims of negligence or liability against employers, manufacturers, or other responsible parties.

Occupation Groups at Risk
The study identifies several occupational groups at high risk of asbestos exposure due to their involvement in tasks such as gasket and packing removal and installation. These include:

1. Pipefitters and Maintenance Workers: Directly involved in handling asbestos-containing gaskets and packing materials, often without adequate protective measures.
2. Boiler and Furnace Workers: Frequently exposed to asbestos-containing components in high-temperature environments.
3. Construction and Demolition Workers: Encounter asbestos during renovation or demolition of structures containing asbestos gaskets and packing.
4. Insulation and Fireproofing Workers: Work in environments where asbestos-containing materials are prevalent.
5. Mechanics and Equipment Maintenance Workers: Regularly handle valve gaskets and packing, exposing them to airborne asbestos fibers.
6. Utility and Plant Operators: Operate in facilities where asbestos-containing materials are used in equipment maintenance.

These groups are at heightened risk due to the nature of their work, which often involves disturbing asbestos-containing materials and releasing fibers into the air.

Current Medical Understanding
The study aligns with current medical knowledge, which recognizes that even low levels of asbestos exposure can lead to severe health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The findings emphasize the importance of stringent safety measures and accurate monitoring techniques to prevent occupational exposure. The study also highlights the limitations of traditional measurement methods, advocating for more sensitive techniques to assess exposure levels accurately.

Citation
McKinnery, W. N., & Moore, R. W. (1992). Evaluation Of Airborne Asbestos Fiber Levels During Removal And Installation Of Valve Gaskets And Packing. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 53(8), 531-632.

National Library of Medicine Link
Unfortunately, a direct link to the National Library of Medicine's page for this study is not available in the provided information. Readers are encouraged to consult reputable medical and occupational safety databases for further details.

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