| Abstract |
Worker exposures to asbestos (1332214) were surveyed in March 1971 at H. K. Porter Company Thermoid Division, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Asbestos fiber concentrations in the fiber preparation, carding, spinning, twisting, winding, weaving, finishing, miscellaneous and rope, wick, braid, and cord areas were 3.3 to 29.3, 2.7 to 151.8, 0.4 to 28.9, 3.8 to 21.5, 0.7 to 18.5, 0.2 to 124.3, 0.1 to 3.8, 0.7 to 8.9, and 1.4 to 4.6 fibers greater than 5 microns per cubic centimeter, respectively. The OSHA standard for an 8 hour time weighted average airborne concentration of asbestos dust is 5 fibers but not exceeding 10 fibers per milliliter greater than 5 microns in length may be permitted for up to 15 minutes per hour for up to 5 hours in an 8 hour day. Average exposures in 15 jobs exceeded the 8 hour time weighted average standard and 53 samples exceeded the 15 minute standard. The author concludes that a serious asbestos health hazard exists and recommends corrective industrial practices. |
