Asbestos was a widely used and very effective component in insulating, fireproofing, and soundproofing materials until it was found to be an inhalation health hazard.

Asbestos does not present a health hazard when it remains bonded in an undamaged material. However, cutting, disintegration or tearing of an asbestos-containing material releases very small asbestos fibers that create an inhalation hazard, which could lead to various lung diseases or certain kinds of cancer.

Protecting PWC employees from overexposure to asbestos fibers during railcar restoration was given a high priority.

Thus, NNMC industrial hygienist Gil Clouser and NNMC industrial hygiene technician, Candy Velleri assessed the risks of occupational exposure to airborne asbestos fibers during the removal of railcar ceiling materials, and managed these risk factors so that workers and others in the area received maximum protection from inhalation of asbestos fibers.