Asbestos Fiber Measurements During Low Dust-Generating Work Processes

The Danish asbestos executive order defines a range of situations and work processes that require no protective measures, due to an assumption of low dust generation and therefore negligible exposure to asbestos fibers. The purpose of the study was to investigate the exposure of workers performing tasks where low dust generation is assumed, as well as those in direct proximity. Five roof renovation projects, one facade removal project, and one removal project of whole pipes with intact asbestos insulation were included in the study. A total of 52 personal samples and 33 stationary samples were collected. The asbestos fiber concentrations measured in personal samples ranged from below the detection limit to 0.13 f/cm3 (fibers/cm3). Despite the large spread between projects, the measured concentrations of asbestos fibers in 45 of the 52 personal samples were above the Danish occupational exposure limit value (OEL) of 0.003 f/cm3. The concentration of asbestos fibers in 20 of 33 stationary samples was also above the Danish OEL. The results of personal and stationary measurements suggest that any work with asbestos-containing materials may be associated with a significant risk of exposure above the OEL and, thus, should not be considered a low-dust-generating process without measurements.