Document wqYvVxvzdE9wNN143LmdGdv0D

CHEMICALS AND PLASTICS so. CHARLESTON PLANT p. O. BOX 8004. SO. CHARLESTON, west VIRGINIA 25303 To (Nime) O'V'Jion Loctlion J. S. Cornell Building 309-2/514 Area Maintenance Superintendents R. N. Bates C. W. C a rma n W. A. Garrett R. W. Holland, Jr., M.D. G. F. Hurley L. R. Noble L. W. Phair R. A. Ream L. A. Roebke L. C. Stewart W. B. Troutman G. L. Wharton Dale May 2, 1980 Gfiqmat.nq Dept. Answering letter aate sut>/ect Asbestos Screening Test A test method published by NIOSH, Center for Disease Control, Cincinnati, Ohio, for determining probable presence of asbestos has been successfully performed on insulation samples by the Plant Laboratory. The colorimetric test is applicable to detection of magnesium (II) and iron (II) found in asbestos. Acid/glycerine wash procedures are attempted in case of positive tests to eliminate possible, interferring, soluble contaminants not attributable to asbestos; e.g., iron oxide (rust). The test method should prove to be a valuable tool here in the plant, even though it may be subject to occasional "false positive" indication. Because due to general uncertainty about old/existing insulation most of it must be treated as if it contains asbestos anyway. This is very costly and has perhaps contributed, to some degree, to employee discontent when insulation stripping work must be performed by eithe r the Maintenance Department or by Design and Construction. Demolition work is another potential asbestos exposure source to be considered. Incidentally, NIOSH reports no "false negative" tests among some 200-odd field samples tested. UCC 013285