Background on Air Sampling Programs that Monitored Asbestos

Read background information on the air sampling programs evaluated by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The programs assist miners, who are routinely exposed to carcinogens, including asbestos.

Introduction to Operator Air Sampling Programs
by Doris A. Cash
Health Division
Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health
4015 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22203

Exposure to respirable silica-bearing dust (silica dust) can put miners at grave risk. Silicosis, a potentially fatal lung disease associated with overexposure to silica dust, is entirely preventable if mine operators and miners act in concert to prevent exposures to hazardous levels of silica dust.

As part of the Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) national effort to eliminate silicosis in the mining industry, MSHA reminded operators of their obligation under 30 CFR 56.5002 and 57.5002 (exposure monitoring) to conduct sampling as frequently as necessary.

This sampling is conducted to determine the adequacy of measures that have been implemented to control the levels of employee exposure to silica dust as well as other airborne contaminants.

Engineering controls are the most effective and reliable method for assuring that individuals are not exposed to unhealthful levels of silica dust. The only sure way to determine the effectiveness of these engineering controls is to conduct airborne contaminant sampling on a regular basis.

Courtesy of http://www.msha.gov/S&HINFO/OPRSAMP/OPRSAMP.HTM

Other helpful links:

Asbestos Asbestos
Asbestos and lung cancer Asbestos and lung cancer
Mesothelioma attorney Mesothelioma attorney
Mesothelioma Lawyer Mesothelioma lawyer
Asbestos attorney Asbestos attorney