Abstract |
Personal and environmental air samples were analyzed for asbestos (1332214) at the Smithsonian Institution's Silver Hill, Tract-B facilities in Washington, D.C., during November 8 to 9, 1977. The evaluation was requested by management on behalf of an unspecified number of workers. Asbestos fiber concentrations ranged from less than 4,500 fibers to 120,000 fibers greater than 5 microns in length per cubic meter (f/cu m), compared with the OSHA standard of 2,000,000f/cu m for a time weighted average. The author concludes that a potential health hazard from asbestos exposure exists at these facilities. He recommends removal of the asbestos insulation in the buildings, implementation of an environmental and medical surveillance program if the insulation is not removed, and additional industrial hygiene surveys. |