Monokote mixing operations caused dusty asbestos work environment

Two of the former workers from the Site have been contacted concerning past operational practices by W.R. Grace. Both workers have indicated that the interior of the plant was extremely dusty during the exfoliation and Monokote® (structural fireproofing trade name) mixing operations. They also stated that a form of respiratory protection was available, but not often used.

Asbestos is a hazardous substance as defined by 40 CFR Section 302.4 of the National Contingency Plan (NCP). Tremolite/actinolite (amphibole) asbestos and chrysotile (serpentine) asbestos have been detected at this Site.

Asbestos is of potential concern because chronic inhalation exposure to excessive levels of asbestos fibers suspended in air can result in lung disease such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Exposures via ingestion and dermal contact are considered to be of lesser concern.

Characteristics of amphibole asbestos that are of concern are fibers that are greater than 5 microns in length and have an aspect ratio of greater than 5 to 1.