Document 06VZGQ5YqKnK7QEEamy6JVwkV

FILE NAME Brakes BRK DATE 1972 Dec 4 DOC BRK043 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION Letter from Baltimore County Dept of Health BALTIMORE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DIVISION OF AIR POLLUTION AND INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE MARYLAND AVENUE AND HILLEN ROAD TOWSON MARYLAND 21204 DONALD J. ROOP M.D M.P.H. December 4 1972 DEPUTY STATE AND COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER Gentlemen Re The Occupational Hazard of Brake Mechanics and What To Do About It There are a number of products made with asbestos a resistant mineral fiber which is usually whitish gray in color In 1971 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency declared asbestos a hazardous air pollutant making its use subject to extreme restrictions People who are occupationally exposed to certain asbestos products incur an increased risk of developing some forms of cancer as a result of the hazard of inhaling the fibers It has still not been established what levels of continuous exposure can be declared safe although standards for occupational exposure have been established is brake trations One group of workers among whom the hazards are not generally realized mechanics In 1970 British researchers measured the asbestos fiber concen- that brake mechanics are exposed to The usual method of cleaning brake drums and shoes of settled and imbedded dust which contains a significant percentage of asbestos is to blow the parts clean with a compressed air hose Fiber counts generated by this method were in excess of the British limits for occupational exposure still more The antidote grit to remove vacuum out all by forced air the fiber you can Then if there is follow both of these measures if possible 1. Wear a dust mask cost about 6.00 2 Work in a ventilated area Needless to say all other workmen in the area should benefit by the above improvements For men who have had long experience as brake mechanics we recommend that an annual chest ray be performed and the examining physician be notified that the man works with asbestos We would very much appreciate it if you would let us know what action you are taking what ideas you may have to offer and what problems you encounter in following our suggestions in providing a safe workplace for your people Should you require additional information contact Mr. Barry Castleman of this office at 494-3775 Very truly yours mav William L. Phillips Director Division of Air Pollution and Industrial Hygiene Bureau of Environmental Services