Regulatory agencies in the United States identify asbestos-containing floor tile as a friable material when abated. Such categorisation appears to be based on legislation rather than science and exposure data or health risks. This investigation suggests that occupational (personal) exposure during abatement of floor tile and mastic results in low airborne concentrations of asbestos as determined by phase contrast microscopy. Comparison of personal exposure results for two asbestos abatement school projects, which collected exposure data during abatement of floor tile and mastic together, one involving full containment and the other a partial containment system (critical barriers), suggests a statistical difference in concentrations. However, this difference was not considered to be biologically (health) significant. Other studies that collected exposure data on floor tile and mastic separately support findings of low exposure in studies reporting measurements of these building components together. Summary results as arithmetic and geometric means for occupational samples were below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit for airborne asbestos fibres. The basis for classifying floor tile and mastic as a friable asbestos-containing material does not appear to be supported by scientific evidence. A discussion of regulatory issues associated with asbestos-containing floor tile and mastic is presented.

Keywords:
Personal exposure, Legislating science, Asbestos regulations, Airborne contaminants, Asbestos abatement
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© 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
2002
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