Potential significance of airborne fiber dimensions measured in the U.S. refractory ceramic fiber manufacturing industry.
BACKGROUND
To determine dimensions of airborne fibers in the U.S. refractory ceramic fiber (RCF) manufacturing industry, fibers collected through personal air sampling for employees at RCF manufacturing and processing operations have been measured.


METHODS
Data were derived from transmission electron microscopy analyses of 118 air samples collected over a 20-year period.


RESULTS
Characteristics of sized fibers include: diameter measurements of <60; 0.19 to 1.0 micron, m of which 75% are less than 0.6 micron and length ranging from < 0.6 to > 20 micron, with 68% of fibers between 2.4 and 20 micron.


CONCLUSIONS
Exposures in RCF manufacturing include airborne fibers with dimensions (diameter < 0.1-0.4 micron, length < 10 micron) historically associated with biological effects in pleural tissues. Air sampling data and a review of studies relating fiber size to pleural effects in animals and humans support the belief that information on fiber dimensions is essential for studies with synthetic vitreous fibers.
Education and Information Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway (MA C-32), Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, USA. tbl7@cdc.gov
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D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis* / Q000145:classification; D000818:Animals; D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects; D002516:Ceramics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis* / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000145:classification; D002617:Chemical Industry; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D019016:Mineral Fibers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis* / Q000145:classification; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010994:Pleura / Q000473:pathology; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D014481:United States
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D019016:Mineral Fibers; D001194:Asbestos