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SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF ASBESTOS FIBERS TO SUPPORT EXPOSURE ASSESSMENTS
Impact/Purpose:
The goal of this research task is to enhance the ability to measure and model asbestos exposure considering several scenarios, including demolition, construction, school attendance, and other general exposure scenarios. The two research objectives are as follows:
Address problems of collecting and analyzing asbestos fibers that have been identified by asbestos program managers and scientists, and
Improve the detection and quantitation of asbestos for bulk materials, settled dust, air and soil.
Description:
The Agency's Asbestos Coordinating Committee (ACT) has conducted a technical review of the research needs for asbestos programs. The overall research in this task has been highlighted as a high prioirty need from that review. The filter comparison needs assessment was a recommendation from the peer review and the reviewers report commented favorably on these research plans. The ability to assess human exposure to asbestos depends on reliable sampling and analysis methods, however, current methods contain uncertainties and other issues in the estimating of exposure. For example, there are a number of analytical procedures and various counting rules to detect and quantify asbestos in bulk samples, air, settled dust, and soil for field monitoring and risk analysis. Questions follow as to what the relationship between measures by selected sampling/analytical techniques and actual human exposure to the asbestos fiber. Other fundamental research issues regarding exposure assessment also need consideration such as the establishment of specific scenarios/pathways, methods to determine exposure populations, and both qualitative and quantitative methods for assessing risk associated with exposures to asbestos in ambient air.
The National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) has begun to characterize the advances needed to fill various gaps in both measuring asbestos and estimating asbestos exposure. Following consultation with national asbestos managers, Regional asbestos representatives, and participants at the Asbestos Site Evaluation Workshop, the major analytical and exposure assessment needs were identified and prioritized. NERL has been tasked to conduct research encompassing two high priority areas, 1) Improved Fiber Definition and Source Characterization, and 2) Human Health Exposure and Effects. The methods developed as part of this research will be used by the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS), the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER), and other EPA and state asbestos programs to improve exposure assessments that, in turn, will reduce the risk associated with exposure to airborne asbestos fibers.