Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Journal of Environmental and Public Health
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2009
Volume
2009
Disciplines
Public Health
Abstract
Amphibole asbestos (AA) has been detected on the surface of tree bark in forests neighboring an abandoned vermiculite mine near Libby, Montana. In the present study, simulations were performed to assess potential AA exposure associated with United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service (FS) occupational activities. Bark samples were collected prior, and personal breathing zone (PBZ) and Tyvek clothing wipe samples were collected during and immediately after trials that simulated FS activities. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses revealed AA bark concentrations up to 15 million structures per square centimeter (s/cm2). AA was detected in 25% of the PBZ TEM samples. AA was detected on wipe samples collected from all activities evaluated. This research demonstrates the potential for airborne exposure and transport of AA in the Kootenai National Forest. These findings are especially relevant to those that work in the area and to the general public who may conduct recreational activities.
DOI
10.1155/2009/189509
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Hart, Julie F.; Spear, Terry M.; Ward, Tony J.; Baldwin, Caitlan E.; Salo, Marissa N.; and Elashheb, Mohamed I., "An Evaluation of Potential Occupational Exposure to Asbestiform Amphiboles near a Former Vermiculite Mine" (2009). Public and Community Health Sciences Faculty Publications. 20.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/pchs_pubs/20