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ASBESTOS FIBER RELEASE DURING CHANGE-OUT OF FILTER BAGS FROM HEPA-FILTERED VACUUM CLEANERS
Citation:
Kominsky, J., R. Freyberg, B. Hollett, P. Clark, K. Brackett, AND R. Wilmoth. ASBESTOS FIBER RELEASE DURING CHANGE-OUT OF FILTER BAGS FROM HEPA-FILTERED VACUUM CLEANERS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-91/258.
Description:
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. he change-out of vacuum bags is a potential source of airborne asbestos contamination. n 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. ive different HEPA-filtered vacuums of varying brands and capacities were tested. his study was conducted at EPA's controlled asbestos test (CAT) facility. he evaluation of the Nilfisk Model GS-80 and the Euroclean Model UZ930 (wish the negative-air-pressure enclosure) showed the smallest increase relative to the baseline levels of asbestos (2 and 3 times higher than baseline, respectively). he use of the negative-air pressure enclosure with the Euroclean UZ930 reduced the airborne asbestos concentration by approximately a factor of 10. he data from the two studies indicate 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. he primary potential point of fiber release during each bag change-out occurred when the paper bag was separated from the intake tube. he use of a glove-box enclosure significantly reduced the increase in airborne asbestos concentrations during bag change-out.