Document Z7R7Dzn1rJVy1270enXXwr6Y

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH HYGIENIC information GUIOE NO. 7 ASBESTOS PROPERTIES: Aab*toa I* composed of t number of dlStml minerals which u silicates of vuilUl composition, hot basically m of a form of hydrous magnesium silicate. Thalr chlaf characteristic la structure composed of loaf, |aii.\, flexible flbora, capahle of repealed longitudinal subdivision. Many varieties or* sufficiently flexible to be epos late yon er woven ea modified textile machinery. Manufacturing processes can cause tbla miaaral to break op lato aaaay mlonte partlelee. THRESHOLD UNIT VALUE (acceptable atmospheric concentration for .' S-hoar work period): 9 milliOB partlelee per cubic foot of air. MEDICAL ASPECTS: Loa| coatlaaed Inhalation of aebeatoe duet may reeult la a form'of paeamocooletle toown aa aibeetoaie. The primary effect of aucb inUelatlon ie a condition of pulmonary ftbroate. A ehaarectertetio finding of aebeetoele ie the pretence of aabettoa "bodlot" la the lungs tad aputum. Complete rosatgeaolcgio atody of the cheat and histopsthologicsl findloga are nacaeeary to eatabllab the preaeace of tbla dlaeaao. The question of whether or not there la aay. relatlaaehlp between the Inhalation of aoboatoo deal tad caacor of the lung.lo atill uadar discoseicsi bat more and mart evidence la accumu lating that axpoaora to aobeetoo flbora may cauaa caacar of tho lung. PREVENTION: a. Preplacement: Occupational history la a acceealty. A complete pbyalcal examinatiou. Including a cheat x-ray, should ba emphasised. b. Periodic Examination: A physical examination, togathsr with a cheat x-ray film, should bo given about oaca a yaar. Caaaa whara pathologic lung changes have occurred should be relocated from employment la dusty operatione. EXPOSURE CONTROL: a. All duet-produclag operations should be equipped with local ex haust ventilation. Whom possible, isolation or segregation of tho operation should bo observed, together with tha use of wet methods. b. Housekeeping should he maintained with a view to preventing aay accumulation of dapositad dual. Vacuum methods of cleaning are preferreds aad should bo performed "eff-shift"'Or whoa least exposure to plant personaal would occur. c. Whara other methods of control are not feasible, dust respirators, of a type approved by tha U.S. Bursaa of Miaaa for protection against pneumoconiosis-producing dusts, should ba supplied to times employees subjected to the dnaty atmosphere.