Health Effects, Information on Sources and Levels of Asbestos Contamination

Executive Summary

The Workers' Family Protection Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-522, [29 U.S.C. 671a]) directed the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to conduct a study of contamination of workers' homes with hazardous chemicals and substances (including infectious agents) transported from the workplace. NIOSH found that contamination of workers' homes is a worldwide problem; incidents have been reported from 28 countries and from 36 states in the United States. Such incidents have resulted in a wide range of health effects and death among workers' families exposed to toxic substances and infectious agents. About half of the reports of health effects have appeared in the last 10 years, revealing new sources of contamination.

In completing the study, NIOSH solicited information from Federal and State health, labor, and environmental agencies, groups with special circumstances such as firefighters, and the public. NIOSH then reviewed and compiled the information received along with information in published reports on contamination of workers' homes by substances brought home from the workplace.

The report includes a survey of reported health effects, information on sources and levels of contamination, preventive measures, decontamination procedures, a review of Federal and State laws, and responses of agencies and industry to incidents involving contamination of workers' homes. This report is being considered by the Workers' Family Protection Task Force, which is charged under the Workers' Family Protection Act with evaluating the need for additional research.