Airborne concentrations of asbestos in 71 school buildings.

A total of 473 air samples from 71 schools scheduled for abatement (328 indoor static samples, 51 personal samples, and 94 outdoor samples) were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy techniques. Six measures of asbestos-in-air concentration were considered: (1) total asbestos structures per cubic centimeter: (2) chrysotile structures per cubic centimeter; (3) amphibole structures per cubic centimeter; (4) structures per cubic centimeter at least 0.5 micron long and at least five times wide; (5) structures per cubic centimeter at least 5 microns long; and (6) structures per cubic centimeter at least 5 microns long and at least 0.

Confined spaces--a case for ventilation.

Many exposures, some leading to deaths and injuries, in confined spaces could have been prevented by ventilating the space prior to and during the entry. Current standards and guidelines generally do not require ventilation. Nor do they sufficiently emphasize the need for ventilation or provide guidance on how to ventilate confined spaces.

Health examination and air monitoring evaluation for workers exposed to 2-nitropropane.

Comprehensive employee health examinations along with work-place area and personal monitoring were conducted to evaluate potential exposure to 2-nitropropane. The employee cross section included in the study consisted of nearly all workers at the plant. The entire workforce was represented, including those who did not have contact with 2-nitropropane.

Odor threshold determination for 2-nitropropane.

The odor threshold of 2-nitropropane (2-NP) has been characterized as not capable of providing warning that air concentrations possibly exceed acceptable guidelines. However, recent testing indicates that the odor threshold is significantly lower than previously thought. In particular, the odor threshold has been indicated by this study to be below the current TLV for 2-NP.