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Releasable Asbestos Field Sampler
Citation:
BARRETT, W. M. Releasable Asbestos Field Sampler. Presented at 13th Annual OSC Readiness Training Program, Orlando, FL, February 01 - 04, 2010.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public
Description:
Asbestos aerosolization (or releasability) is the potential for fibrous asbestos structures that are present in a material or on a solid surface to become airborne when the source is disturbed by human activities or natural forces. In turn, the magnitude of the airborne concentration that can be generated from the release of asbestos is a function of the concentration of asbestos at the source, source matrix properties, the nature of the processes disturbing the source, and local environmental conditions. The primary utility of assessing asbestos aerosolization relates to the ability to predict airborne exposure (and associated health risk) from asbestos fibers on surfaces. Currently available methods for repeatable, representative measurement asbestos aerosolization from bulk materials (e.g., soil) are not suitable for field use. Current methods require removal and transport of the source matrix, thereby potentially altering the physical characteristics of the matrix and subsequent aerosolization. The Releasable Asbestos Field Sampler (RAFS) was designed to provide repeatable and representative asbestos aerosolization data from soil in situ. The RAFS simulates a raking motion to aerosolize the asbestos fibers. A gentle airflow transports the generated aerosol laterally inside a tunnel to one end where filter samples or real-time instruments are located. The RAFS was designed as an alternative to activity-based sampling. In combination with the breathing zone model developed in conjunction with the RAFS, estimates can be made of exposure to asbestos from soil under various conditions. This poster provides an overview of the testing conducted as part of the development of the RAFS unit and compares AFS data with activity-based sampling (ABS) data from the same locations.
