Record Display for the EPA National Library Catalog

RECORD NUMBER: 9 OF 157

Main Title Asbestos Fiber Release during Change-Out of Filter Bags from HEPA-Filtered Vacuum Cleaners.
Author Kominsky, J. R. ; Freyberg, R. W. ; Hollett, B. A. ; Clark, P. J. ; Brackett, K. A. ;
CORP Author IT Environmental Programs, Inc., Cincinnati, OH.;Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH. Risk Reduction Engineering Lab.
Publisher c1991
Year Published 1991
Report Number EPA-68-03-4006; EPA/600/J-91/258;
Stock Number PB92-113208
Additional Subjects Asbestos ; Vacuum cleaners ; Pollution sources ; Indoor air pollution ; Risk assessment ; Health hazards ; Emission factors ; Industrial hygiene ; Occupational exposure ; Laboratory tests ; Reprints ; Janitorial workers ; Custodial workers
Holdings
Library Call Number Additional Info Location Last
Modified
Checkout
Status
NTIS  PB92-113208 Some EPA libraries have a fiche copy filed under the call number shown. 07/26/2022
Collation 7p
Abstract
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered vacuum cleaners are the primary tool used to clean up asbestos containing material during operations and maintenance (O&M) activities. The change-out of vacuum bags is a potential source of airborne asbestos contamination. In 1989 and 1990 the Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted a series of controlled tests to determine airborne asbestos fiber levels during change-out of filters bags used in HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners. Five different HEPA-filtered vacuums of varying brands and capacities were tested. The study was conducted at EPA's controlled asbestos test (CAT) facility. The data from two studies indicates that airborne asbestos levels can increase significantly during normal bag change-out operations and that these increases vary with the configuration of the vacuum cleaner. The primary potential point of fiber release during each bag change-out occurred when the paper bag was separated from the intake tube. The use of a glove-box enclosure significantly reduced the increase in airborne asbestos concentrations during bag change-out.