Document RvY19nXJQKD16E5LMvL1G7rX

Inter Office Personnel and Organization Staff March if, 1982 Mr. R. T. Benware, Operations Director Ford Aerospace and Communications Corporation Johnson Space Center cc E. J. Berela R. Brandenburg A. S. Davis R. B.Johnson V. D. Little M. Lopez, M.D. F. Meeks Subject: Industrial Hygiene Survey - Asbestos, Lead, and Noise Ford Aerospace and Communications Corporation As requested by Mr. Frank Meeks, Manager, Safety and Security Department, on January lif and 15, 1982, the Industrial Hygiene Services Section conducted an asbestos exposure evaluation of Ford Aerospace employes working in various areas of NASA Building 30 at the Johnson Space Center. Purpose of this study was to quantify these exposures based on concerns expressed by Ford Aerospace management that the supporting Bteel work in Building 30 is coated with asbestos-containing insulating material. Additionally, lead and noise ex posure evaluations were made at Ford Aerospace Building 1 and Ford Aerospace Manufacturing Building. Representative sampling of the work atmosphere was conducted throughout various areas in NASA Building 30, Ford Aerospace Building 1 print shop and the work shop and lead soldering operations of the Manufacturing Building. Monitoring was of sufficient duration to aoourately reflect actual daily employe inhalation exposures. Results, as shown on the attachments, indicate that contaminant levels in Ford Aerospace buildings as well as NASA Building 30 are well within permissible oc cupational exposure limits (PEL). Average sound pressure levels to which em ployes are exposed in Building 1 and the Manufacturing Building are below 85 dBA, the level at which a comprehensive hearing conservation program is required. Lead exposures in the soldering operations were below detection limits of the analytical method. Based on these results no significant health hazard is expected from lead exposure at this location. Airborne asbestos levels through out NASA Building 30 were found to be below the occupational PEL and are in the range expected in facilities that have been asbestos coated. Based on these results no significant risk of asbestosis exists, however, the risk of mesothelioma, lung and/or digestive tract cancer can not be predicted or dis counted at thiB time. SCF-FORD-3206 8005 0606 PRODUCED BY FORD  Hr. R. T. Benware Page Two March U, 1962 In summary, contaminant concentrations throughout the operations evaluated were found to be within permissible occupational exposure levels. Based on these results no significant health risk is expected at this time. However, since the carcinogenic threshold for asbestos has not been determined, (some investigators feel there is a zero threshold) a safe level for employes oan not be established at thiB time. Additional details and specific recommendations are contained in the attached discussion. If you have any questions, please call me at (313)337-3955* dt attachment Sarunas S. Mingela Senior Industrial Hygienist Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology Dept. Employe Health Services 8005 0607 PRODUCED BY FORD DISCUSSION Background - Asbestos Ford Aerospace and Communications Corporation expressed concern to NASA re garding potential asbestos exposures to their employes in Building 30 in September, 1981. This was based on observations of workmen removing insu lation debris from building steelwork in bags labeled "Asbestos". Following limited suooess with NASA environmental health services, Mr. Frank Meeks re quested the assistance of Ford Motor Company Industrial Hygiene and Toxioology Department. Prior to 1973 the steelwork of many buildings (schools, offices, hospitals, etc.) was protected from possible fire damage by spray coating with asbestos- containing insulating materials. Asbestos content of this material was vari able and usually ranged from 0 to Analysis of three samples of insulating material from Building 30 found that it contained from less than l to B% asbestos. Samples from other areas of the building may contain higher asbeBtoB content. Asbestos from building insulation can and often does contaminate the occupied portion of the building. This can occur in several ways: normal deterioration of the binder contained in the insulating material; since the material is usu ally easily friable, any contact with it may produoe varying amounts of duBt and release fibers to the atmosphere; building vibration on air movement over the material may dislodge the loosely held fibers which then become part of the dust fallout. Heating and ventilating Bystems can pick up the dust and dis tribute it throughout the building, even to remote areas that have no asbestos insulating materials. To properly evaluate the hazard from asbestos, atmospheric fiber counts of the questionable area aB well as chemical analysis of the insulating material is required. Atmospheric Monitoring and Physical-Chemical Analysis On January 14, 1982, general area air samples were collected from selected areas throughout NASA Building 30. Sites selected included normal work areas, as well as locations above the false ceiling. Samples were collected and analyzed uti lizing procedures specified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Air samples were collected on 37 mm diameter, 0.8 micrometer pore size, opened face cellulose acetate membrane filters contained in plastic oassetteB. An air flow rate of two liters per minute was used. Filters were analyzed utilizing phase contrast microscopy in the Company Industrial Hygiene Laboratory. The fiber count method, counts fibrous material that has an aspect ratio of at least 3:1 and are at least five micrometers in length. It must be emphasized that the phase contrast fiber count method does not differentiate between various fiber types but only identifies fibroue materials. Chemical analysis of the parent material (bulk insulating material) was done both chemically physically. A chemical screening test identifies those samples that can not be asbestos. Physical analysis, by X-ray diffraction and samples that are positive on the screening test, identifies both type end percent composition of asbestos. 8005 0608 PRODUCED BY FORD -2- Ab shows on the attached data sheet, atmospheric eamp3.es as veil ae bulk samples collected from NASA Building 30 were positive for both fiber oount and asbestos content. Fiber levels were found to be below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) permissible occupational exposure level of tvo fibers per cubic centimeter of breathing air (2 f/oc). Toxicology - Asbestos Excessive asbestos exposure can cause asbestosis, cancer of the lungs and di gestive tract, and mesothelioma. Asbestosis is a lung disorder characterised by diffuse fibrosis of the lung tissue. The onset of asbestosis normally depends upon the asbestos dust con centration, fiber morphology, and length of exposure. It is a progressive disease which may develop fully in seven to nine years and may oause death as early ae thirteen years after the first exposure. Once established, the dis ease can progress even after the exposures have oeased. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of cells that cover the lungs, heart and digestive tract. Eighty percent of the mesothelioma cases studied in South Africa and Great Britain were shown to have had an occupational or paraoccupational association with asbestos fibers. Ejqperienoe in the United States is not expected to vary considerably. Death from mesothelioma usually results within one year of diagnosis. The permissible exposure level for asbestos is based on medical evidence ob tained from studies conducted by the U.S. Public Health Service. This 2 f/cc level is expected to protect against asbestosis and to substantially reduce risk of development of neoplasms. Lead and Arsenic Fume and Noise Evaluations Breathing zone air sampling was conducted on representative employes in the manufacturing facility. Sampling waB of sufficient duration to reflect typical operations. Results, as shown on the attachments, indicate non-detectable levels of both lead and arsenic. Sound pressure levels measured in the work shop of the manufacturing building and the print shop of Building 1 were estimated to be below the 6-hour time weighted average (TWAE) of 85 dBA. Instantaneous measurements may be higher at times, but when exposures are averaged over an 8-hour period they would be below 85 dBA. 85 dBA is the average sound pressure level at which a comprehensive hearing con servation program must to be instituted. Conclusions and Recommendations Asbestos Asbestos can be a seriouB health hazard to man. The OSHA permissible exposure level has been set to prevent the incidence of asbestosis and to reduce risk of development of cancers. Information is insufficient, at this time, to establish exposure standards which could assure the prevention of neoplasms in all workers, although some investigators have suggested a zero fiber in air threshold. In view of the serious potential implications of asbestos exposure, the following control measures are recommended: 8005 0609 PRODUCED BY FORD -3- Clean the false ceiling area of accumulations of insulation material that has been removed, fallen or dislodged in any other way from building structures. Adhsre to pertinent OSHA regulations for vet methods, pro tective equipment, disposal procedures, and ventilation. . Inform all affected employes that the building is asbestos ooated and of the associated risk from work in this environment. Additionally, employes should be informed of the steps being taken by management to oontrol or reduce dust fallout. . Provide training to maintenance personnel in the proper methods, procedures and protective equipment to wear during the handling of asbestos materials. (The Industrial hygiene Services Section has a elide type presentation of this type of training.) . Despite the low levels of exposure during the "P" tube operation, employes who enter the false oeiling area to remove insulation or coverings must be provided vith approved respiratory protection and with special clothing. This type of protection is required by OSHA when levels at any time are equal to or exceed 10 f/cc. I.R. Bulletin No. 15 is attached to assist you in selecting proper respiratory protection. To reduce actual employe exposures: . Install air handling ductwork vith existing asbestos-ooated air supply plenum to reduce transport of friable material from the false oeiling area. Currently, ventilation iB provided vith air that passes directly over the dry and friable asbestos-laden insulation. . Alternatively, the asbestos insulation could be physically removed and an asbestos free material applied. . The asbestos insulation could be effectively sealed out by physically enclosing it vith plywood or some other building material, or it could be "top coated" with an encapsulating material similar to the attached liter ature from ARC Corporation. Lead and Noise Based on the initial monitoring conducted in the manufacturing building, additional or periodic lead exposure determinations are not required. Levels are not expected to exoeed 30 ug/n3 - the level at which many sections of the OSHA Lead Standard become mandatory. However, the applicable sections of CFR 1910.1025 regarding training of employes who work vith lead must be complied with. Time weighted sound pressure levels were estimated to be well below 85 dBA. These estimates are based on sound pressure level (see attached data) measure ments an estimate of daily exposure time at that level. Based on these estimates no additional acooustical engineering controls need to be instituted. Monitoring should be conducted whenever there iB a ohange in equipment or process that could change the employe's exposure to noise. 8005 0610 PPOTYrirrm nv rrnt>r INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE SERVICES SECTION INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND TOXICOLOGY DEPARTMENT EMPLOYE HEALTH SERVICES Ford Aerospace and Conmunioations Corporation NASA - Building 30 Johnson Spaoe Center January 14, 19S2 PERMISSIBLE OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS TO CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL CONTAMINANTS: Contaminant 8-Hour Time Weighted Average Exposure Limit Asbestos Asbestos fiber medical monitoring action level Noise 2 fibers/cc air 0.1 fiber/ec 90 dBA RESULTS Location Room 127A (H-15) Mezzanine Area (K-10) Room 327 (K-14) Room 314 (E-ll) Room 225 (L-15) Group Display - Plenum Room 330 (G-13) Group Display - Plenum Room 230 (G-13) Room 130 Room 118 (K-14) Room 116A (G-12) Room 112 (K-13) B. R. Johnson, S.S.# 459-68-7051 while removing sleeve from P-tube (14 minutes) Asbestos Fiber Concentration 0.005 f/cc 0.002 f/cc 0.02 f/cc 0.01 f/cc 0.01 f/cc 0.005 f/cc 0.009 f/cc 0.01 f/cc 0.04 f/cc* 0.008 f/cc 0.01 f/cc 0.4 f/cc Location Room 225 between Columns L-l4 to 16 and M-l4 to 16 at console Room 225 General Areas Sound Pressure Level 74 dBA 67 - 74 dBA 8005 0611 BULK ASBESTOS ANALYSIS Room' 330 - Group Display Area Plenum Room 230 - Group Display Area Plenum P-Tube Repair Job 2% Chryeotile 8% Chryeotile less than l all form of asbestos TO DATA RETRIEVAL NUMBERS: SSM-1251 to SSM-1262 EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTS: DuPont P-4000 and Bendix BDX-51 personal air sampling pumps with 0.8 pm membrane filters in plastic cassettes. General Radio Type II Sound Level Meter. fORD moigr u. Industrial Hygiene & lc.xic.1 ji i > ANALYSIS: Ford Motor Company Industrial Hygiene Laboratory by L. Latorxeqr<eBif>rCEnited By dustrial Hygienist utilizing phase contrast microscopy. AimAcm industrial Hysiar* Association PRODUCED BY FORD INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE SERVICES SECTION INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND TOXICOLOGY DEPARTMENT EMPLOYE HEALTH SERVICES Ford Aerospace and Communications Corporation ____________ Manufacturing Buildup January IS. ^108g PERMISSIBLE OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS TO CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL CONTAMINANTS Contaminant Inorganic Lead (Pb) Arsenic (Ab) Noise 8-Hour Time Weighted Average Exposure Limit 50 meg/mf 10 mcg/nr 90 dBA RESULTS S.S. Number Classification Pb RichardB, Francis 467-92-9247 Assembler N.D.* Goffbey, S. F. 453-31-4694 Assembler N.D.* Work Shop Operation Sound Pressure Level Belt Sander PresB Brake Punch Hack Saw Milling Machine with air hose on Paint Booth General Area of Work Shop 82 dBA 75 - 78 dBA 75 - 85 dBA 82 dBA 67 dBA 87 dBA 72 dBA As N.D.* N.D.* DATA RETRIEVAL NUMBERS t SSM-1263 and SSM-1264 EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTS: DuPont P-4000 personal air sampling pumpB with 0.6 um membrane filters in plastic cassettes; General Radio Type II Sound Level Meter. ANALYSIS: Ford Motor Company Industrial Hygiene Laboratory by T. F. Strov, Industrial Hygiene Chemist utilizing plasma emission spectroscopy. nW'<*n Mu*,ri*1 Auocielion 8005 0612 PRODUCED RY FORD INDUSTRIAL hygiene services section INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND TOXICOLOGY DEPARTMENT EMPLOYE HEALTH SERVICES Ford Aerospace and Communications Corporation Building 1 January 15. 1982 PERMISSIBLE OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS TO NOISE 6-Hour Tine Veighted Average 90 dBA Location Vest Press Area East Press Area Center of PreBB Room RESULTS Print Shop Sound Pressure Level 79 dBA 62 dBA 79 dBA EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTS General Radio Type 2 Sound Level Meter 8005 0613 PROTvnrFn nv Fopn ASBESTOS FALL OUT CONTAINED! High resolution Electronic Scanning Photo Micro* graphs show a falling deteriorated Asbestos Sub strate, In contrast to a falling surface after a Hydro ban 500E Encapsulating Treatment. Unique non polluting safe waterbase Polymer devel opment effectively restructures loose, friable Asbes tos dust and fibers in depth, to safely bind and pre vent dangerous Asbestos Fibers from becoming airborne. A viable alternative to hazardous, and costly efforts of existing physical Asbestos removals. Polygard 500E Treatments do not endanger personnel and environment, thus contingent liabilities are avoided. No need to evacuate entire facility during the treat ment process. All Federal,' State Safety and Health regulatory re quirements followed strictly. Polygard 500E Asbestos Treatments are guaranteed to effect and maintain minimum clean air standards related to Asbestos Contamination. 'Before" untreated deteriorating Asbestos Substrate KM "After" an encapsulated Hydroban 500E treated substrate KRC RESEARCH CORPORATION IIS N. Withloften Am.. Moereitewn, NJ. OUST M: (SOS) 2I4-S0S0-30S1 8005 0614 PRODUCED BY FORD