title: Quantitative exposure matrix for asphalt fume, total particulate matter, and respirable crystalline silica among roofing and asphalt manufacturing workers.
abstract: This paper summarizes available data on worker exposures to asphalt fume (soluble fraction), total particulate matter, and respirable crystalline silica (quartz) [hereinafter RCS] over a 30-year period in Owens Corning's asphalt production and roofing manufacturing plants. For the period 1977 through 2006, the air-monitoring database contains more than 1,400 personal samples for asphalt fume (soluble fraction), 2,400 personal samples for total particulate, and 1,300 personal samples for RCS. Unique process-job categories were identified for the asphalt production and roofing shingle manufacturing plants. Quantitative exposures were tabulated by agent, process-job, and calendar period to form an exposure matrix for use in subsequent epidemiologic studies of the respiratory health of these workers. Analysis of time trends in exposure data shows substantial and statistically significant exposure reductions for asphalt fume (soluble fraction), total particulate matter, and respirable crystalline silica at Owens Corning plants. Cumulative distribution plots for the most recent sampling period (2001-2006) show that 95% of the asphalt fume (soluble fraction) measurements were less than 0.25 mg/m3; 95% of the total particulate measurements were less than 2.2 mg/m3; and 95% of the RCS measurements were less than 0.05 mg/m3. Several recommendations are offered to improve the design of future monitoring efforts.
authors: Owens Corning, One Owens Corning Parkway, Toledo, Ohio 43659, USA. fayerweather@owenscorning.com
authors: William E
authors: WE
authors: Fayerweather
authors: David C
authors: DC
authors: Trumbore
authors: Kathleen A
authors: KA
authors: Johnson
authors: Ronald W
authors: RW
authors: Niebo
authors: L Daniel
authors: LD
authors: Maxim
mesh_terms: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D003252:Construction Materials / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D003460:Crystallization; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D052638:Particulate Matter; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D006838:Hydrocarbons; D052638:Particulate Matter; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; C006647:asphalt