Area and personal exposure measurements during asbestos abatement of a crawl space and boiler room

Introduction: this investigation reports area and personal exposure measurements during removal of pipe insulation in a crawl space and boiler room. A comparison of area and personal sample is presented. Materials: area sample were collected using a high volume pump while personal samples were collected from the breathing zone as previously described. Counts of asbestos fibres were conducted using phase contrast microscopy. Results: no statistical difference exists between area and personal samples. Area and personal average exposure level was at the PEL level (=0.1 f/cc-TWA). Conclusion: when exposure levels are below the PEL, the use of respirators is inappropriate and that use could create a detriment.