J. H. Lange, S. L. M. Sites, G. Mastrangelo and K. W. Thomulka.

Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology, Vol. 77, No. 5, Nov 2006, pp. 723-725.

No abstract available.

M. Greenberg.

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Vol. 47, No. 2, Feb 2005, pp. 137-144.

Canadian chrysotile (white asbestos) could be a paradigm for those agents that are successfully exploited commercially long after they have been found to be lethal. Mining started in the late 1870s, and reports of disability and death followed in Britain (1898), in France (1906), and Italy (1908), but it was not until 1955 that Canada acknowledged asbestosis in its asbestos miners and millers. Even when shortly after asbestos was shown to be carcinogenic, Canadian Public Relations experts assisted by their scientists exculpated chrysotile by deeming other agents to have been causal. The PR techniques that have been successfully used in the defense of chrysotile are reviewed, to forewarn scientists involved in formulating public health policy for similar agents, as to the tricks that will be played on them.

C. Vidich, J. Freitas and C. Downing.

Federal Facilities Environmental Journal, Vol. 11, No. 4, 2001, pp. 61-78.

The Northeast Area of the Postal Service has an asbestos operation and maintenance program that is both cost effective and in compliance with both Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. This program was initiated in 1994 by a group of dedicated professionals to reduce operational disruptions that have traditionally been created by the presence of asbestos-containing building materials. The Postal Service has developed a comprehensive management strategy for compliance with OSHA and EPA asbestos regulations as well as meeting the agency's Customerperfect business goals. Its strategy should be of particular interest to federal facility building owners and managers faced with aging facilities. The lessons learned and the procedures established could be useful to other agencies that are faced with similar problems with asbestos management.

J. H. Lange.

Indoor+Built Environment, Vol. 9, No. 3-4, May-Aug 2000, pp. 201-206.

This study evaluated costs from 15 different public asbestos abatement projects. Data suggest that costs among (within) project bids are distributed normally, but between bids are nonnormal. Many bids in this study have an outlier and most commonly these represent the highest proposed cost. Outliers had a strong influence on summary data. Cost data, in its summary form, should be provided with and without outliers. Other factors beside bid cost are important when selecting the lowest responsible bidder. The information presented here will assist those in environmental management during the process of selecting a contractor.

J. H. Lange, M. Bules, J. Lindquist, M. Gray and C. Ivarone.

Indoor+Built Environment, Vol. 9, No. 6, Nov-Dec 2000, pp. 342-347.

A survey of asbestos abatement projects performed by public agencies was undertaken for the County of Erie, Pennsylvania, USA. The time period for this survey was 1996 to November 1999. Project data collected included project name by public agency, name of contractor, quantity of work, cost for this work, and time period over which work was conducted. Initial information on projects was obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and was followed up through contact with the specific agency. Comparison of this survey with that of one previous during the time period of 1992-1994 suggests the amount of abatement in the public sector has decreased. Distribution of costs between bids was nonnormal and appears to best fit a logarithmic distribution. Some information was not available from the agencies, suggesting either a lack of understanding of environmental regulations or noncompliance. Information presented provides an insight into the direction of the asbestos abatement industry, its management, liabilities and future problems.

J. H. Lange.

Indoor+Built Environment, Vol. 8, No. 5, Sep-Oct 1999, pp. 293-303.

Both area and personal air samples collected during an asbestos abatement project were matched and statistically analysed. Among the many parameters studied were fibre concentrations and their variability. Mean values for area and personal samples were 0.005 and 0.024 f times cm super(-3) of air, respectively. Summary values for area and personal samples suggest that exposures are low with no single exposure value exceeding the current OSHA TWA value of 0.1 f times cm super(-3) of air. Within- and between-worker analysis suggests that these data are homogeneous. Comparison of within- and between-worker values suggests that the exposure source and variability for abatement are more related to the process than individual practices. This supports the importance of control measures for abatement. Study results also suggest that area and personal samples are not statistically related, that is, there is no association observed for these two sampling methods when data are analysed by correlation or regression analysis. Personal samples were statistically higher in concentration than area samples. Area sampling cannot be used as a surrogate exposure index for asbestos abatement workers.

J. H. Lange, D. F. Kelly, K. S. Koller, et al.

Indoor and Built Environment, Vol. 5, No. 2, 1996, pp. 76-81.

The costs associated with asbestos abatement projects conducted in public buildings in Erie County, Pennsylvania, USA were evaluated during the time period 1992 to 1994. These data include the approximate quantity and category of asbestos-containing materials abated, the costs, name of the contractor performing the remediation, and the time period over which the work had been performed. Information of this nature provides insight into the economic considerations, management decisions, environmental hazard liabilities and future problems related to this environmental practice.

J. H. Lange, J. W. Wade and K. W. Thomulka.

Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, Vol. 3, No. 5, 1994, pp. 269-274.

Selection of asbestos abatement contractors is traditionally performed by the low cost bid. The authors discuss the importance of selecting contractors on the basis of quality and preventative liability. Guidance on contractor selection is briefly presented.

P. A. Froehlich and B. A. Hollett.

Applied Occupational & Environmental Hygiene, Vol. 8, No. 11, 1993, pp. 937-944.

In a study of the effectiveness of glove bags to control asbestos exposures to workers and contamination of the environment, a four-man crew removed asbestos in eight rooms in four schools. The workers had little prior experience using glove bags and received on-the-job training in proper techniques during the early stages of the study. Exposure concentrations at these four schools indicate that glove bags, as used during this study, did not completely contain the asbestos being removed. Workers were exposed to airborne asbestos above the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limit and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit. Asbestos concentrations determined by aggressive sampling and TEM analysis indicated a higher level of contamination after removal than before in five of the eight rooms evaluated. Although worker training and experience are important components in performing proper abatement, this study of glove bags did not provide a basis to specify conditions under which adequate containment can be ensured.

F. A. Denson and W. A. Onderick.

Power, Vol. 137, No. 1, 1993, pp. 46-48.

Asbestos management is one of the toughest jobs facing a plant or environmental engineer today. Here are 10 common errors that could be stopped or avoided by practicing preventive techniques. The 10 costly sins presented are not mutually exclusive, and they certainly are not all-inclusive. They are offered as a way to stimulate ideas on how to build an ongoing, continuous, and improved asbestos management program.

J. L. Perkins, V. E. Rose and M. S. Cleveland.

Applied Occupational & Environmental Hygiene, Vol. 7, No. 1, 1992, pp. 27-32.

Many asbestos abatement operations take place in the United States each year; however, little published information is available as to the concentrations of asbestos in and around abatement operations and the efficacy of abatement efforts. In the current study, 2082 airborne dust samples of 11 different types (based on location or an abatement procedure) were taken over a 5-year period and were analyzed by phase-contrast microscopy. The most important result shows that samples taken near glovebag operations had statistically significantly higher mean concentrations of fibers per cubic centimeter of air than samples taken approximately 15-25 feet away from those operations. The results also indicate that the use of glovebags is a less effective form of abatement as compared to fully enclosed negative containment areas. It is recommended that if glovebags must be used as an abatement method, they should be used as the sole control method only where asbestos removal is a minor, short-term effort. Full-face respirators should continue to be used for all abatement procedures.

Anonymous

DC (USA). 1992, pp. .

Before the health risks were recognized, thousands of buildings were constructed with materials containing asbestos. The full extent of the problem in federal buildings is unknown because no single agency has assumed responsibility for collecting information on this situation. Furthermore, the agencies GAO reviewed lack complete and accurate inventories of the buildings containing asbestos. The most comprehensive data available, dating from a 1984 EPA survey, suggest that nearly 40 percent of federal buildings contain asbestos that is loose to the touch. Officials responsible for asbestos management at these agencies were either unaware of OSHA's asbestos requirements or believed that the requirements applied only under limited circumstances, such as when asbestos might be disturbed during renovations or repairs.

M. Dennison.

Asbestos Abatement News, Vol. 3, No. 10, 1992, pp. 6-7.

In response to widespread concern over the health risks associated with inhalation of asbestos fibers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration developed a comprehensive set of stringent regulations governing asbestos exposure in the workplace. The OSHA asbestos standards are divided into two categories. The first category--29 CFR Section 1910.1001--is a general industry standard applicable to all regulated workplaces except construction work. The second category--29 CFR 1926.58--applies solely to construction work. The general industry asbestos standard requirements with be examined here.

Anonymous

Asbestos Abatement News, Vol. 3, No. 7, 1992, pp. 4-5.

The Environmental Protection Agency last month initiated new enforcement strategies allowed under 1990 Clear Air Act amendments, including 15 cases against violators of air toxics standards for asbestos and benzene. The amendments armed EPA with enforcement liberties for specific violations. The new administrative penalty authority addresses violations that are less than a year old through the assessment of penalities below $200,000. Before the amendments became effective, the agency's civil enforcement of the Clean Air Act was limited to judicial actions in federal court.

C. Bateson.

American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Vol. 53, No. 6, 1992, pp. 381-386.

This research paper assembles the results of a survey that was distributed to several groups of respondents who share an economic interest in asbestos abatement issues. Specifically, the survey was distributed to lawyers, building owners, asbestos abatement contractors, industrial hygienists, and politicians. Telephone calls were made to each respondent to verify receipt of the survey and to request anonymous participation. The results were collated and analyzed. That analysis is presented here and compared with the reaction of acknowledged experts in the field to the same issues. The goal of this survey is to provide insight into the future of the asbestos abatement industry in the next decade. Most respondents are aware of the present politics affecting the industry. All groups were concerned more with health and safety than with economics.

T. Darnell.

American City and County, Vol. 106, No. 5, 1991, pp. 48-52.

Does the presence of asbestos mean lower property taxes for a building owner? A New York court says yes, and that means more litigation in a judicial system already suffocating under the weight of thousands of asbestos-related claims.

M. Gough.

Health & Environment Digest, Vol. 5, No. 9, 1991, pp. 3-5.

It seems so clear now. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a guide for owners of asbestos-containing buildings, which lists five "facts". Risks of asbestos-related diseases depend upon levels of exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Data show that levels of asbestos inside buildings are low, and, accordingly, the associated health risk "appears to be very low". Removal of asbestos from buildings is often "not the best course of action," and improper removal can create a dangerous situation where none existed before. EPA requires removal only during demolition and renovation. EPA recommends an asbestos management program for all asbestos-containing materials.

A. J. Banks.

VA (USA). 1991, pp. .

The purpose of this report is to examine the impact of asbestos abatement on the construction industry. It is estimated that the cleanup effort may cost $100 billion over the next twenty five years. More than 733,000 structures, or 20% of U.S. commercial and public properties are believed to contain asbestos. Some of the material is in a friable state. This asbestos is crumbling into microscopic fibers that can float in through the air. The use of asbestos was restricted after high doses of its fibers were found to scar lungs, causing cancer and other diseases. Construction businesses use 50% of the U.S. supply of asbestos in asbestos cement pipes, sheets, siding shingles, floor tiles, coatings, and sealants. Some 29,000 workers install asbestos insulation during building construction. Other estimates of exposed workers include 20,400 in demolition, 67,800 in abatement, 82,500 in general building renovation, 135,700 doing routine maintenance in buildings, and 183,200 in routine maintenance in general industry.

J. M. Booker, M. Carlin and L. D. Weiss.

Journal of Environment and Health, Vol. 54, No. 3, 1991, pp. 18-22.

This article presents an evaluation of a state certified asbestos abatement training program in Alaska. The legal requirement of annual re-certification of all workers provided an opportunity to evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of the training against the actual work experiences of these trained. In a survey of 114 trainees, most (78%) passed a re-test on course content, the course received an average effectiveness rating of 92%, and actual work practices reflected the principles taught in the course 82% of the time. Trainees with more recent work experience tended to give higher ratings of work practices (r = .39, p less than or equal to .001), and they were more likely to have notified personal physicians of their asbestos work (F = 10.36, p less than or equal to .01).

W. H. Bode and L. M. Acosta.

Asbestos Issues, Vol. 4, No. 5, 1991, pp. 46-49.

The enormous costs associated with asbestos abatement make it economically imperative for property owners and managers to determine whether all or some of these abatement costs can recovered from other parties. This article surveys the theories under which property owners and managers have attempted to shift to other parties the costs of asbestos abatement, and the parties against whom these theories can be used.

P. C. Chrostowski, S. A. Foster and E. L. Anderson.

Risk Analysis, Vol. 11, No. 3, 1991, pp. 465-481.

Upperbound lifetime excess cancer risks were calculated for activities associated with asbestos abatement using a risk assessment framework developed for EPA's Superfund program. It was found that removals were associated with cancer risks to workers which were often greater than the commonly accepted cancer risk of 1 x 10 super(-6), although lower than occupational exposure limits associated with risks of 1 x 10 super(-3). Removals had little effect in reducing risk to school populations. Risks to teachers and students in school buildings containing asbestos were approximately the same as risks associated with exposure to ambient asbestos by the general public and were below the levels typically of concern to regulatory agencies. During abatement, however, there were increased risks to both workers and nearby individuals.

R. S. Bottome.

Asbestos Issues, Vol. 4, No. 2, 1991, pp. 52-53.

The release in September 1990 of the long-awaited Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) document, "A Building Owner's Guide to Operations and Maintenance Programs for Asbestos-Containing Materials," signals a fundamental shift in the orientation of that agency away from tacit encouragement of asbestos removal in favor of asbestos "management." Overall, building owners have greeted the shift in emphasis with relief, but many of them are even now beginning to question the wisdom of asbestos preservation.

JG Holtman and JJ Hinton.

1990, 148

The Asbestos Project Specialists, comprised of appropriately trained personnel with varied engineering, construction, and technical backgrounds, provide asbestos management services including: (a) facility asbestos surveys; (b) abatement specification development; (c) abatement project administration; and (d) air sampling and analysis. While the corporate industrial hygiene group does coordinate and schedule the team's assistance and serves as a resource for company asbestos management policy, the Asbestos Project Specialists' on-site activities are essentially those of an independent, third-party consultant. The provision of asbestos management services by this approach has exhibited significant overall project cost savings over the initial year of implementation. At the same time, the services provided are oriented to the company's asbestos management policies, and information and data generated by the services are effectively communicated within the company.

RC Spicer.

1990

The removal of asbestos containing materials from within an enclosed negative pressure containment is standard procedure in the asbestos abatement industry. These enclosures are established using ventilation criteria delineated in a senses of EPA guidance documents and non-mandatory appendix of the OSHA asbestos standard. Additionally these are paralleled in several state and local asbestos regulations. Minimum guidelines require work area (HEPA) exhaust of four air changes per hour to establish a negative pressure of 0.02 inches w.c. relative to the surroundings. While these criteria are unverified as to their validity, these nonetheless govern the great majority of asbestos abatement currently being conducted.

JJ Furman.

1990

As asbestos abatement activities move from the schools and the public sector into the industrial environment, many companies are faced with setting up and managing these projects. Complicating this is the maze of local, state and federal EPA and OSHA laws that must be complied with. A coordination of efforts between the company's Safety, Environmental, Engineering, and Manufacturing functions was necessary. The approach used to formalize this process will be presented.