Document zb9bVwOxj8MZrdJD9LBz73x33

72 2174 ii_ L-HI.U J- J Kl'l P.01 Asbestos 1972 ENVIRONMEMTAI, PPCTECTION MONOGRAPH SERIES ASBESTOS amatMnsNQOD rest 91967 PREPARED BY ECOLOGY COUNCIL TASK FORCE THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY March 1972 Z 2 3 -7 j, 468G0001S DOW CONFIDENTIAL 00 MOT COPY. GET CURRENT COPY _ yPOM DOW ECOLOGY COUNCIL RECEIVED MAR 16 1972 CJH M40tAKT> inc duuuHN LRW FIRM P.02 MlMitOf 1972 - 03 e) Mutagenic ana Teratogenic Sffacta -Thera la no evidence that asbestos la associated with mutagenesis or tAMto{r*ieis- 2) Humane - At the present time, approximately five million workers in the United States are exposed to airborne asbestos in occupations involving the Industrial production and use of asbestos-containing products. Epidemiological Studlee have shown that occupational exposures to all commercially used forms of asbestos have resulted in high rates of asbestos-related diseasesi asbestos!*, cancer of the lung, cancers of the lining of the thoracic and abdominal cavities* and other cancers. The present state of knowledge indicates that once exposure has occurred, isbestoi-related disease may appear even though the exposure is discontinued. The disease may be evident after a latency period ot 20 years or more; consequently, unless a very careful history is conducted the possible association with asbestos exposure may be missed* Recently, there ha3 been considerable alarm about asbestos exposure of the general population* The major potential for risk appears to lie in individuals with indirect occupational contacts, house hold contacts, or residence in the immediate neighborhood of asbestos sources* At present, the significance and magnitude Of nonoceupational exposures to asbestos are not resolved. 66800001S P.03 Asbestos 1972 - D4 Thera axe many variables In asbestos-related diseases that axe not well understood. These Include the duration, intensity end continuity of exposure?*)t the specific typfe and dimensions of the asbestos fibers inhaledj the role of cofactors > the contaminants of cne asbestos (e.g. trace metals and hydrocarbons)t the presence of other concomitant duster the latency periodi and individual idiosyncrasies, Many authors have emphasised the gravity of the aabeatos hazard and the need for stringent controls- ' a) Pulmonary tabeatosia Aabeatosis, the first recognised disease associated with the prolonged Inhalation of asbestos tall typos), is a disabling or fatal scarring disease of the lunge (progressive diffuse pulmonary fibrosis). The risk varies directly with the length of exposure and the dust concentration. The chief symptoms ofw . 'H advanced aebeatnsis are a non-productive cough, shortness of O breath, substemal chest pains, decreased cheat expansion, 5? P weakness, emaciation, clubbed finger tips, and curved finger nails, x-ray findings show a fibrosis of the lung fields whlcS* is usually, but not exclusively, basilar, mid-lung field adhesions, pleural plaques and calcifications. b> Heoplasms from Inhalation of Asbestos hung Cancer Many studies over the past twenty-five years have definitely confirmed an association between occupational exposure to .1"1W l .1 <\r P.04 Asbestos 1972 - 05 asbestos (all types) end a higher than expected Incidence of lung cancer (bronchogenic carcinoma). The latent period between exposure to asbestos and evidence of lung cancer may be even longer than for aebestoaifij however, there is very little information on the dose-timu relationship, While lung cancer is the most ccumon complication of asbestosls, cases of lung cancer apparently induced by asbestos have been reported un accompanied by asbestos!a. Cigarette smoking vastly enhances the chances of asbestos worker* developing lung cancer. In view of the continued poor outlook following removal from exposure to asbestos, the dis continuance of cigarette smoking is a paramount prevention measure. Cmcer of the Pleural and Peritoneal Surface9 Very little serious ctv-sideration was given to asbestos as an etiological factor in mesotheliai malignancies prior to i960. Since then, many reports have been published support ->g a --lationship between asbestos and pleural and peritoneal mesotheliomas. An outstanding feature has been the long period, commonly over 30 years, between the first exposure to asbestos and the appearance of a tumor. As with lung tumors, there is no good correlation between the severity of asbestosis and the occurrence of mesotheliomas. ' I06000Q1S k `t TOTAL P.04 ' " P.01/02 %j ~ )~ yj,. S, J)- r I'-tt-l l*st ll ^ *V< frJ4i A? iy -r^b'Yto'-- Cv^A *.!-/" /'*! THIS MAHSAl IS AM UP0ATEO EDITM OF THE HAHBBOOK f^EPAREO IH rT%tsuyS 't?'*, f C-J^L. 1972 0 REVISEO IH 1977 AND IH 1979. THIS H5ITIOM HAS REVISES SY THE ASBESTOS TASK FORCE OURJHS THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985. ASBESTOS TASK FORCE MEMBERS RES AHUCH SOBER 0AM1EL HELSOH HOUIS WAIT HOACK OAH SETH RAMDEl SHR.SROVE eitL TOMUHSON MIKE TOWN WALTER WATTS OARREll WOSMAH tA O O o ts> CD XT ro s:Tnoi7SdFY ., jjuujJp-n--' u-iw riKH P,03/02 seaioti n SUMMARY The health of those who breathe asbestos dust may be seriously affected. The injury, known as asbestosis, scars the lungs and reduces their normal function. This phenomena has been recorded since 1899. More recently {in the last several decades), overexposure to asbestos has also been associated with cancer of the lungs. Anyone handling asbestos on a regular basis is cautioned not to smote due to the greatly increased cancer risk. When working with materials containing asbestos fibers, care must he taken to minimite the dust exposures. Vetting of the material prior to handling, isolation of the work areas and use of respiratory protection are some of the measures that will help to protect people from overexposure. These procedures are particularly important in the removal of old, deteriorated insulation and during the sawing of transite. Disposable protective coveralls provide the needed protection. Disposable clothing is to be disposed of in polyethylene bags properly labeled. In eases where regular coveralls are used, then a double changeraom with two lockers must be used to separate work clothes from street clothes. Asbestos contaminated clothing shall be placed in labeled polyethylene bags far special laundering. Do not wear home or take home for laundering asbestos contaminated clothing. Rubber boots must be worn and washed off before leaving the asbestos work area. " There are a number of dust respirators which have been approved for asbestos handling {see Appendix A). Special protective clothing, such as coveralls, head covering, and gloves may be required on some Jobs. These requirements should be determined in the prejoh planning prior to starting the work, {see Appendix A for advise on recommended equipment,) w q <3 CP i%a' co 4*" on All asbestos waste {old insulation, dust collector solids, disposable clothing, gaskets, packings, etc.) must be put in approved containers {polyethylene bags are available in Dow Stock) for disposal. The hags must be properly labeled to warn of the asbestos hazard. The Safe Work Procedures outlined in this handbook are minimum guidelines for various type asbestos jobs. The project supervisor must provide specific procedures for.each job that are based on the guidance from this handbook to assure we protect people. The "Asbestos Safety Checklist" should be utilized for each asbestos handling job. nrnm4: TOTAL P-02