Document qmwOeNKOpB2GLEXpBEa2zx1Mx

FILE NAME: Ford (FD) DATE: 1973-1974 Mar DOC#: FD011 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Internal Report - Brake-Drum Decomposition Products-Current Research Areas Brake-Drum Decomposition Producta-Current Research Areas Mr.rcu . 197.1 - March, 1974 The Environmental Sciences Laboratory la currently studying asbestos exposure In workmen who repair and service brake-llnlngs. Although the area of Investigation focuses on passenger vehicles, we are also In corporating studies Involving large-passenger and commercial-type vehicles is well. It Is the purpose of this research to obtain Information regard ing asbestos exposure in the automotive maintenance and repair, specifically among men repairing brakes. We will simultaneously conduct retrospective and prospective health studies on such Individuals. We are now gathering data concerning past morbidity and mortality experience. Workmen currently employed In these trades will be examined clinically and followed to determine prevalence and incidence of specific diseases. A cohort of these workmen Is currently being developed by our research group. In addition to the hunan disease experience, we will also Include quantitative characterization of their work environment. Work In this area Is currently being done. We have obtained data concerning light microscopic-electron microscopic characterization of dust aerosols liberated from such repair work. We have determined already that. In some Instances, a light microscopic observation Indicating no asbestos present In the atmosphere may actually conceal several micrograms of asbestos fiber. These particles are visible only by electron microscopy. We are presently characterizing the environments created during the removal of old brake drums, l.e., "blowlng-off" of decomposed brake-shoe dust and the refitting of brake-shoes onto drums by n.-.:,nr oi grinding techniques. We have dust counts of the ambient environment, In such localities before, during and after brake maintenance and repair. Some of these levels approach and com pare with occupational exposures to asbestos. In addition to tne characterization oi the ataiospnert in this environ- PRODUCED BY FORD P R O P E R T Y CF FORD MOTOR COMPANY