Total Dust and Asbestos Concentrations during Asbestos-Containing Materials Abatement in Korea

Lee, J.G.; Lee, K.H.; Choi, H.I.; Moon, H.I.; Byeon, S.H.

doi:10.22059/ijer.2012.555

Total Dust and Asbestos Concentrations during Asbestos-Containing Materials Abatement in Korea

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

J.G. Lee ¹

K.H. Lee ²

H.I. Choi ¹

H.I. Moon ¹

S.H. Byeon ¹

¹ Department of Environmental Health, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, S. Korea

² Health Group, Environment Safety Team, Device Solutions, Samsung Electronics, Yongin S. Korea

10.22059/ijer.2012.555

Abstract

This study was performed during the abatement of two asbestos-containing materials (ACM):
baumlite board (cement flat board) and ceiling textile. The concentrations of total dust for personal sampling were 0.28 and 1.70 mg/m3 during baumlite board and ceiling textile abatements, respectively, when calculated with 8-hr time-weighted average (TWA). The geometric mean (GM) asbestos concentrations were 0.005±1.9 and 0.007±1.6 f/cc for personal sampling and 0.004±1.1 and 0.008±1.6 f/cc for area sampling with 8-hr TWA, respectively. Asbestos exposure concentrations were not significantly different during abatement of the two materials (p>0.05). Further, no statistical difference existed between personal and area samples during the two abatements (p>0.05). The concentrations of personal and area samples during both abatements were below the occupational exposure limit (OEL: 0.1 f/cc) of the Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL). The correlation between total dust and asbestos concentrations was low throughout both abatements.

Keywords

Abatement

Asbestos

Indoor

Interior materials

Ceiling textile

Baumlite board