| Abstract |
Worker exposures to asbestos (1332214) and trace metals were surveyed at Reading Brake and Alignment Service (SIC-7539) in Reading, Ohio, on March 7, 1979. The number of employees was not reported. Asbestos concentrations in personal breathing zone samples from the brake mechanic averaged 0.04 fibers greater than 5 microns per cubic centimeter (f/cc), and general area air samples contained 0.009 to 0.014f/cc. Concentrations of lead (7439921), zinc (7440666), copper (7440508), iron (7439896), manganese (7439965), and chromium (7440473) were 0.7, less than 0.1 to 0.4, 0.1 to 0.3, 1.3 to 23.2, 0.03 to 0.2, and 0.06 to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. All exposures were well below OSHA standards of 2.0f/cc for asbestos, and 50, 5000, 1000, 10000, and 5000 micrograms per cubic meter for lead, zinc, copper, iron and manganese, respectively; no standards were provided for chromium. The author concludes that no asbestos hazard exists at this company, but notes that very little brake service activity occurred on the day of the survey. Asbestos exposures probably would be higher on days when the work load was greater. |
