Assessment on aerosol exposure in Asbestos usage industries

Abstract

Asbestos fibres are easily inhaled and transmitted into the lower regions of the lungs thereby causing fibrotic lung disease (asbestosis) and changes happen in the lining of the chest cavity (Pleura). Long-term inhalation of asbestos fibres increases the risks of lung cancer and mesothelioma. Yet, little is known about aerosol exposure in asbestos usage industries. The objective of this research is to investigate the non-hazardous material fibres as alternate for asbestos fibres used for roofing cement sheets. This study is attempted the hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) as a tool to establish the risk of occupational diseases and control measures, Furthermore, the membrane filter method was adopted to assess the personnel exposure to airborne asbestos fibres within the process plant. Besides, the pulmonary lung function test method was adopted to evaluate parameters regarding the human respiratory function in the plant. Also, the sheet fabrication process was used to prepare non-asbestos sugarcane fibre to replace asbestos fibre test specimen. Testing was also conducted concerning the alternative fibre cement sheets and the asbestos fibre concentration in personnel. Furthermore, noise level and air quality measurement were made newline