Document RJVz3RoMd9e9mmD5Bwoa14NgE

< Ms. Sue Brundidge Consolidated Papers, Inc. Page Two February 13, 1981 There are' several different types of asbestos, and the type commonly used in friction materials is known as "chrysotile". This asbestos material is widely used in high temperature applications because of its thermal stability. The asbestos content in-friction materials * may vary between 25% and 60% by weight, dependent upon .the ijjfictii^ri material specifications. The cause of friction lining wear for the most part is not d\ie to abrasion, but rather due to minute spot areas of igtfehse heht ^t points of contact between the drum and friction lifting. .-At these high temperatures, the chrysotile asbestos breaks,,down into -termless minerals, so the actual amount of asbestosvf|ber "that-is liberated to.atmosphere during the life of the liningiiisjtesj. than 0. 3%. Exposure to high temperatures essentially desthoy^ the asbestos fibers, and then the mechanical mbbing^action^produces a powder form with a particle size of less than l idler 6n4mic,rometer). This is considerably smaller than the 5 micron ..limit specified by both OSHA and ERA, plus the fact that there is virtually no asbestos contact remaining. u. I" \j Lining dusting or smpktft^|duriii:g^dlutch or brake enagement is basically carbonized material from the binder, or nonasbestos material from the fillers. ?*%, ' In summary, there is no-Measurable amount of airborne asbestos fiber liberatedvto atmosphere during the clutch or brake'engagement, so Airflexjfe.els the re.,.iis no cause for concern that a health hazard exists. 5. 5??* : **. ..t U -4 ' 'tir cc C. Krueger R. Petkash' FAW 17051