Document 6bzDB3V4pmpwBjDazbk28kor1

EXHIBIT DUP-1469 CENTRAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HASKELL LABORATORY FOR TOXICOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE ' DATE -July 13, 1976 7mP CMS TQ. C. F. REINHARDT HASKELL LABORATORY MEDICAL RESEARCH PROJECT MR- 5135 PART 1 TITLE: A STUDY TO MEASURE THE AMOUNT OF ASBESTOS FIBER LIBERATED DURING OPERATING TIMES 0? GAS CHROMATOGRAPHS Authority ia requested to undertake the investigation identified above and described aa follova: A number of gaa chromatograph* containing aabestoa insulation material* will be evaluated from the standpoint of determining cha significance of a purported health hazard due to liberation of asbestos fibers. Air sampling studies will be performed during operation times of G.C. units. Raaulta of which will bo evaluated and, if indicated, control recosmendatlona provided. Amount requa3tod 700.00 Previously authorized Expended to data Account to be charged 13 Work to be started In progress Request for study made by Richard J. Kubialc __________________________________________________ . If this request meets with your approval, please enter the account to be charged, have two copies authorized end return them to Haskell Laboratory, Control Section. The additional capias may be retained for your information and distribution. 1i Approved by w v. Ivniniaggeer - Plaid Services RJG/Jch Authorized^ 5* I DUP 0973641 Date DU 045245 i^iaa ?iwariTiHEqjifart rtfrtl--, aa 1 ES-3606 HASKELL LABORATORY cc: D. H. Payne, Pat. Lab., Chambers Works C. H, Pattarsoa, Jackson Laboratory J. R. Martin, Jackson Laboratory J. F. Neumer, Jackson Laboratory H. Sherman, Haskell Laboratory 0. J. Sam, CR&D - E-328315 B. C. McKuaick/C. F. Reinhardt July 16, 1976 DR. RICHARD J. KUBIAK ORGANIC CHEMICALS DEPARTMENT CHAMBERS WORKS, BLDG. 1094 ' A STUDY TO MEASURE THE AMOUNT OF ASBESTOS FIBER LIBERATED DURING OPERATING TIMES OF GAS CHROMATOGRAPHS (Jackson Labs.-Chambers Works, June 3, 1976) (Haskell Laboratory Report No. 505-76 MR NO. 51351 People contacted during study: Richard Hubiak Mary S. Wolff G. H. Patterson J. R. Martin J. 7. Ktuatr Georg* Montcrief R. L. Padrotti Eric Kissa Sal Digiovaani Edvard Marsh Robert Wynn* Frank Persico Robert Lay Gall Hogan - Haskell Laboratory - Mt. Sinai School of Medicine - Jackson Laboratory - Jackson Laboratory - Jaekaoa Laboratory - Jackson Laboratory - Jackson Laboratory - Jackson Laboratory - Hewlett Packard Company - Hewlett Packard Company - Hewlett Packard Company - Perkin Elmer Company - Tracer Company (Micro-Tech.) - Johns Manville Company SUMMARY The results of the air atudiaa conducted did not shew presence of aabeetoe fibers during operating timaa of suspect gas chromatographs. However, the possibility still ramaina that at times when maintenance or repair work la parformad on instruments containing asbaatos sons axposura could occur. Abrasive action to the insulation block such as scraping or brushing could cauae airborne generation of fibers. For this reason, it is recommended that all unite containing asbestoa be adequately sealed. A number of unproven methods which have baan uaad for this purpose are listed in order of preference. 1 OOP 0973642 DU 045246 INTRODUCTION In Che January 30, 1976 Journal of Science, chere appeared a letter from: M. S. Wolff, A. M. Linger and S, B. Shuray entitled "Cas Chromatographs: Health Effects". It was the contention of these writers that occupational exposure to asbestos fibers exists for those working with chromatographs packed with asbestos insulation materials. The impact of this letter was such as to cause considerable consternation and focused attention on all gas chromatographs as a possible health hazard. Since a partial list did exist, of which instruments were suspect, some Du Font departments undertook control measures by sealing their units in a variety of different ways. Haskell Laboratory was contacted by Chambers Works for assistance in this matter. It was requested thee we research this potential hazard and possibly conduct air-sampling studies to further define the problem. In addition to the air studies, we were to advise on the best methods of sealing units known to contain asbestos. DISCUSSION I. Asbestos A. Physical Properties It was determined that if asbestos was found it would most probably be composed of anoslta fiber. This hypothesis was based on the fact chat the Johns Manvllle Company (Denver, Colorado) was, at the time, the only manufacturer of insulation block for use in chromatographs, being marketed under the tradename - Marinitef*. It was reported by a company representative of Johns Manvllle that we could expect to sea either Marinitd 3l (30S amoslte) or Marinitd 23 (25X amosite) in the instruments evaluated. He hastened to point out that all new models will be insulated with MarinlteP XL, purportedly containing no asbestos; no date fox this action was provided. Amosite is an asbestos of the amphibola mineral group characterized by the general chemical formula (1.5 MgO, 5.5 FeO 85; 02 H2<>) * hydrated magneeium silicate. A further more important characterization is its flexibility and high tensile strength (between 175,000 to 500,000 lb/sq, inch) and ability to readily subdivide into fibrils. The mineral, a fibrous form of grunerite, is mined only in South Africa and can be identified by the appearance of long, somewhat harsh fibers with a brownish-yellow to almost white color. - 2- DUP 0973643 DU 045247 r - wiliermsm rnm DISCUSSION (CONT'D.) Amoslte, like most ocher kinds of asbestos, forms Inorganic rod-like fibers when crushed or processed. This property results from "a molecular structure In which the units are linked together mostly In one direction and is analogous to the properties associated with a strong two-dimensional structure, familiar in micaceous and slatey minerals that cleave naturally into sheets or places. This concept is of some Importance since it enables one to differentiate between asbestos on the one hand and synthetic inorganic fibers such as glass fiber and mineral woods on the other." (Ref.: S. Gage, The Physical and Molecular Properties of Asbestos. Annals New York Acad. Sci. 132. p, 31 (1965)) B, Toxicological Considerations Asbestos, in its several commercial forms, hoe been shown in very recent time to be associated with the production of a variety of disease entities. These Include: 1. Asbestosls: a diffuse, interstitial, nonaalignant, scarring of the lungs; 2. Bronchogenic carcinoma: a malignancy of the interior of the lung; 3. Mesothelioma: a diffuse malignancy of the lining of the chest cavity (pleural mesothelioma), or of the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma); and 4. Cancer of the stomach, colon, and rectum. Asbestosls may be evident, in its advanced stages by characteristic manifestations on chest X-ray films, by restric tive pulmonary function, or by clinical signs, of finger clubbing or rales (dry, cracking sounds within the lung). Its most Important symptom is dyspnea, or undue shortness of breath. The disease is progressiva, even in the absence of further exposure, as those inhaled fibers which have been trapped within the lung continue their biological action. In its savers forms, death results from the inability of the body to obtain requisite oxygen or from the heart's failure to pump blood through the scarred lungs. -3- <>4 DUP 0973644 DU 045248 DISCUSSION (CONT'D.) Mesotheliomas are diffuse and spread rapidly throughout the cavity of origin. They have yet to be successfully cured by any types of treatment Including chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Death usually results within a year of diagnosis. In the general population, mesothelioma is so rare that it has yet to be separately coded in the international classification of diseases. It may account for one death in several thousand in the absence of an environmental or occupational asbestos exposure. In some groups of asbestos workers, it may account for one death in ten. Once established, the other asbestos associated cancers differ little from those occurring in the general population, although there may be variations in the location of the primary site. Appropriate treatment and prognosis follow for the particular tuner. There is very limited long-term survival from lung cancer therapy; and only somewhat better from treated cancer of the colon or rectum. Asbestosls and asbestos cancer - whether it be lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, cancer of the stomach, colon, rectum - usually do not become clinically evident until more than 20 years have passed from onset of exposure. This tine-frame is now widely recognised. While some such cancers may appear during the second decade following onset of occupational exposure, peak incidence is often not noted until the 30-yeare-from-onset point, or later. This la true both with regular, long-term asbestos work, end following short-term, brief or intermittent exposures. While variations in the time of occurrence may depend upon intensity and duration of exposure, with heavier exposure often being essoclated with shorter latency periods, variations among individual cases make it impossible to predict the latency period for the risk of any particular worker. (Ref,: proposed asbestos standard (OSHA) Federal Register, Vol, 40, p. 47652, October 9, 1975.) G. Applicable Standards of gxaosure The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygianiata (ACGEH) in thair 1976 TLV listing suggest that five fibers/cc > 5 /i in length be observed ea an average exposure during an eight-hour -4- I DUP 0973645 /r V riTsmssiott (cowt'd.) work day (T.W.A.). They also label asbestos as a substance recognized ^to have carcinogenic or cocarclnogenlc potential. The present OSHA air contaminant limit, as just effective 7-1-76, is 2 fibers/cc> 5 p in length (T.W.A.) with a maximum peak of 10 fibers/cc. The proposed OSHA. asbestos standard would lower the allowable concentration to .5 fibers over eight hours and set a 5 fibers celling for a period up to fifteen minutes. The impact of both the present and proposed OSHA asbestos standard is great if there exists a need, by reason of employee exposure, to comply with the specification language of the standard. If, for example, asbestos fibers were to be found in the areas monitored, this would automatically trigger the immediate need to: 1. Conduct initial environmental monitoring. 2. Conduct personnel monitoring. 3. Implement medical monitoring including the required physical exams. 4. Advise employees of asbestos exposure and educate them as to the hazards of same. 5. Implement record keeping procedures. If fiber concentrationa exceeded limits, in addition to the above, an employer would be further required to: 6. Develop a written compliance program, 7. Implement engineering controls and work practice procedures. 3. Implement respiratory protective program, and 9. Comply with posting and labelling requirementa. It goes without saying that the need to comply with the specifies of this standard would Indeed be burdensome. A more popular alternative would be to prevent release of fiber thereby eliminating exposure and the need to observe the detailed requirements of the OSHA asbestos standard. -5 - DUP 0973646 DU 045250 TvrsmiSSIOH (CONI'D.) II. Results of Air Testa Conducted On June 3, 1976 area samplas for determination of airborne asbescoa fiber concentration were collected in Rooms 1101, 1106, 2109 end 2110 of Jackson Laboratory of the Chambers Works. A sampling train consisting of a portable low volume (0*2.5 liter) pump, cubing, and a sampling head (cassette) containing a Milliporaf AA filter (37 nm, 0,8 micron pore sire) was used. All samples were collected at worker breathing-rone level. Samples were analyzed (sized and counted) for asbestos fiber content by phase constrast microscopy at 450 x magnification. A. Sampling Location^) within Room(a) Sample 1 Room 2110 directly over an operating Perkin Elmer 900 G.C. ' Oven door opened and closed repeatedly, two other operating G.C. instruments were present, Sample 2 - Room 2110 taken of an operating ?30 Perkin Elmer approximately tan feet from the first sample. Both samples in Room 2110 were collected simultaneously. Sample 3 - Room 2109 the sampling train waa placed next to a Guild column conditioner (L14536). Four other G.C. instruments present in the room were in operation during the sampling run. Sample 4 - Room 1101 taken directly next to an operating Perkin Elmer 990 G.C. Sample 5 - Room 1106 - taken directly next to a Perkin Elmer 990 G.C. The oven door opened and closed twelve times during the sample run. Location 2110 2110 2109 1101 1106 B. Results Sample Flow Rate No. Liters/Min. 1 1.2 2 1.1 3 1.68 4 1.5 5 1.2 Sampling Time Lenath (Min.) 57 49.4 49.1 54.5 50.1 Asbestoa Fibers Found 0 0 0 0 0 Concentration Determined es -- -- -- -- -6- DUP 09736-47 DU 045251 DISCUSSION (CONI'D.) III. Gas Chromatographs (Containing Asbestos) A partial list is presented harm of choaa gaa chromatographs which by company admission contain asbestos as insulation. Manufacturer Perkin Elmer Hewlett Packard Tracor (Micro lech) Modal Numbers 800, 900, 990, 3920 402, 609, 720 220 This is by no means an exhaustive list. Soma models may have asbestos present by reason of tape used for insulation purposes. Hewlett Packard contends that none of their models manufactured after 1972 have contained asbestos. Perkin Elmer stated that new models (later 1976) will be asbestos free. 17. Methods of Control There have been a number of methods suggested by those contacted for sealing the insulation materials thereby preventing the possibility of exposure. These will be listed here in order of author preference: 1. To coet the insulation block with porcelain cement Mount Sinai has done this - a vendor of porcelain cements in the Pennsylvania area is Sauseisen Cements Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15238. 2. To coat with polyamic acid preferably with a dye additive to identify treated areas (recommendation of Jackson Laboratory personnel). 3. To coat with sodium silicate (water glass) - recommendation of Johns Manville. 4. To cover exposed areas with heat stable pelnt or laquer (recommendstion of Perkin Elmer). 5. To line exposed areas with stainless steel as was done in one G.C. at Jackson Laboratory. (The expense, time and effort needed may rule out this method.) -7- DUP 0973648 DU 045252 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The results of this study indicate that under normal operations the likelihood o finding asbestos fiber present near operating gas chromatographs containing asbestos as insulation material is low. However, the possibility remains that during certain preventive maintenance and repair activities release and generation of airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers can occur. Therefore, it is recommended that all gas chromatographs identified or suspected of containing asbestos be treated through one of the methods outlined in this report so as to prevent possible operator or worker exposure .and negate the need to comply with governmental regulation. RICHARD J. GZISEN INDUSTRIAL HYGIENIST RJG/jch 7/16/76 Haskell Lab Report No. 505-76 Date Issued: 16 July 1976 Approved by: l-tw J JOHN PODERARO, M.D. MANAGER - FIELD SERVICES 8- OOP 09736-19 DU 045253