Document JNXKNJbNYRb7Y21eBa3KkMQMr

Wi -1 content of past and present dust exposures. It should be recognized also that the health effects of ocher materials in brake dust have noc been studied. Dr. Rolil from tit. Sin.nt reported on studies of asbestos dust expo sure'In autonobile repair shops la Mew York City. Peal: exposures iron 5-8 minutes duration were measured. Fiber counts, using the OSiiA method, were from *1 to 3-1/nl at 3-5 feet fror. Brahe drums cleaned with eonorcssc-J air. At 5-lH feet, counts ranged from 2 to 4 nl; at l'.l-20 feet T.4 to 4.3/nl. Mruns cleaned \rf.th a brush generated less airborne asbestos, 1.3-3.6 fibcrs/nl in the operators breathing tone. Eighty to 99% of the fibers as observed by electron microscopy were less than ).4 microns in length, indicating a ctuch higher exposure to asbestos fibers than indicated by optical microscopy. Workers engaged In grinding operations Co renew brake linings were exposed to 2-7 optically visible fibcrs/nl. .Those bevelling linings had high exposures ranging from 32- 72 fibcrs/nl. hr. George Wright pointed out that earlier studies showed that 1 to 3% of brake dust is fibtuus asbestos. Dr. Lorincr of Mt. Sinai reported on medical examination of 03 brake repair workers with l`>-40 years- of exposure. A substantial number were rcpotce4 to have ."-ray ar.J vencilatory funecian ibts.trianlitias. further studies need to be done in this area before any conesnlusiass an health- effects can be drawn. However; it was pointed out that at least four cases of mesothelioma have been reported iv.tic?allv a.mon-- auto mobile repair workers and this lends urgency to the problem. Dr. Finklea asked for comments and recommendations for. addressing' the problem. .. Hr. Meyers suggested that several practical control measures arc feasible now. Indeed, these measures have been Instituted in several shops. His union alerted its members via its newsletter anj ucvolopcj posters to alert workers to the problem. Mf, Meyers emphasized Cast the employers with whan he worked were most coonernrive. linnlovcrs were encouraged to use vacuum cleaning of brake drums and, where ncce.'S.iry, iinsks i. cmkjee c'cv^ur'c. ltis union has made arrangements for continue.: medical evaluation of its nerd-ers. He .sanaasiacd the *Il\-iorta.aee of union representatives having access to workplaces for observation c: sanitary practices.- Dr. George Wright, an industrial consultant, emphasise.! that naaufacturcrr have a responsibility to ascertain *diac <uncus to their products after 1icing sold to others. Tivia problem renroseatr u diffi cult problem for the manufacturer n::d for their industrial cust nets. Dr. Wright stressed belief that the asbestos industry would ci-.oicr.ico in every possible way. *.:-r. Wright van not totally surprised by the fiber counts- reported and cxnrenncd the belief chat one might subsc [neatly encounter the full spectrum of asbestos-related disease arjong grfacets. Dr. - WrJglic expressed concern that conditions night be worse and J 006766 i PRODUCED BY FORD