Re: Evaluation of the size and type of free particulates collected from unused asbestos-containing brake components as related to potential for respirability.
BACKGROUND
In Atkinson et al. 2004 rinsates of unused brake components were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the presence of asbestos fibers.


RESULTS
We do not believe that the findings of Atkinson et al. are informative and could have been predicted based on the study design and the fact that one would expect to find measurable TEM asbestos fibers on an unused brake component. We also find that the paper did not provide a full or even partial discussion of the published literature with respect to industrial hygiene or epidemiology data.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of Atkinson et al. do not, in our view, "further raise concerns" about historical asbestos exposures experienced by automotive mechanics because of the vast amount of published literature to the contrary.
Paustenbach
Dennis J
DJ
ChemRisk, 25 Jessie St. at Ecker Square, Suite 1800, San Francisco, California.
Finley
Brent L
BL
Sheehan
Patrick J
PJ
Brorby
Gregory P
GP
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D017632:Asbestos, Serpentine / Q000032:analysis*; D001336:Automobiles; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D010316:Particle Size; D018570:Risk Assessment; D020711:Threshold Limit Values
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D017632:Asbestos, Serpentine