Abstract No:
1097
Abstract Type:
Professional Poster
Authors:
S Meyler1
Institutions:
1Ramboll, Seattle, WA
Presenter:
Shannon Meyler
Ramboll
Description:
Epidemics of malignant mesothelioma have been identified in community members that lived in proximity to asbestos-cement plants in many countries worldwide. Asbestos-cement-a composite material made from Portland cement reinforced with asbestos fibers-was widely used due to its low cost, durability, and resistance to heat and chemicals. Products included siding and roofing shingles, flat and corrugated sheets, and pipes. Chrysotile was the primary asbestos fiber type used in asbestos-cement pipe, although crocidolite and amosite fibers were also incorporated. This poster presents historical information related to the Johns-Manville facility in Marrero, Louisiana (JM Marrero), which manufactured asbestos-cement pipe from 1946 to 1970. We examine how facility asbestos consumption, workplace and ambient exposure, pollution control efforts, and waste management practices may have contributed to environmental contamination and community exposure. Our presentation aims to highlight the potential health impacts experienced by residents living near the JM Marrero facility.
Situation / Problem:
The incidence of mesothelioma is still prevalent in the U.S. despite regulatory actions and the reduced use of asbestos beginning in the 1970s. Given the long latency period of mesothelioma, potential exposure during childhood and from the environment are critical to understand and evaluate, particularly related to amphibole asbestos (e.g., crocidolite and amosite), which are more strongly associated with mesothelioma risk compared to chrysotile.
This research describes the JM Marrero facility and the resultant exposures to asbestos, including amphibole types, to the surrounding community. We describe how effectively asbestos exposures were managed within the facility-including waste handling, pollution control measures, and worker protection protocols-and summarize available exposure data. Finally, we will examine the response of government agencies in evaluating and responding to community exposures, including the remediation of residential sites and schools that utilized asbestos-containing aggregate made from the scrap and waste material produced at JM Marrero.
In the U.S., asbestos litigation often neglects to consider environmental sources of asbestos exposure and focuses on solvent companies or those with trusts. It is imperative that risk assessors understand the potential for environmental sources, particularly among cases with no other occupational source of exposure.
Methods:
The authors of this poster performed a comprehensive review of the published scientific literature from pubmed.gov (National Library of Medicine database) and Google Scholar, as well as assessments completed by U.S. government agencies (OSHA, EPA, state departments) and historical facility records. The triangulation of data from various sources strengthens the methodology as it encompasses differing detailed accounts of exposures; however, exposure gaps are likely due to the reliance on historical records.
Results / Conclusions:
The available information indicates that asbestos exposures inside and outside JM Marrero were not effectively controlled. Additionally, the facility disseminated asbestos-containing scrap and waste material containing crocidolite to nearby residents for construction of driveways and walkways at residences, schools, and parks. It was not until the late 1980s that federal and state agencies began to investigate the impact of the waste material on community members, and remediation did not begin until the mid-1990s. The synthesis of this information will better allow risk assessors to understand the nature of the JM operation, response of regulators, and any legacy impacts to community members.
Rates of mesothelioma in the area surrounding JM Marrero have been reported to be elevated compared with the U.S. overall, including a notable increase in women that suggests an additional environmental source. This poster focuses on the historical operations of JM Marrero to shed light on the practices that were employed to control exposure both within and surrounding this site. As toxic tort lawsuits continue to be filed by plaintiffs who resided in the Marrero, LA area, understanding the risk of exposure to community members, particularly to amphibole forms of asbestos, is paramount. This knowledge is essential in areas with past asbestos-cement manufacturing activities for ongoing disease surveillance and pinpointing regions where legacy asbestos contamination could remain a significant concern.
Core Competencies:
Community Exposure
Secondary Core Competencies:
Health Regulations
Risk Assessment
Choose at least one (1), and up to five, (5) keywords from the following list. These selections will optimize your presentation's search results for attendees.
Asbestos, lead, and dust
Environmental protection and monitoring
Risk assessment and management
Based on the selected primary competency area of your proposal, select one group below that would be best suited to serve as a subject matter expert for peer review:
(Select one)
Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Committee
Based on the information that will be presented during your proposed session, please indicate the targeted audience practice level: (select one)
Practitioner: Practitioner is a job title given to persons in various occupational fields who are trained to assist professionals but are not themselves licensed or certified at a professional level by a certification body recognized by the National Accreditation Recognition (NAR) Committee of IOHA. The IH/OH practitioner performs tasks requiring significant knowledge and skill in the IH/OH field, such as conducting worker exposure monitoring and, in some cases, may even function independently of a professional IH/OH but may not be involved in the breadth of IH/OH practice nor have the level of responsibility of a professional IH/OH certified by examination.
The IH/OH practitioner requires a certain level of education that can be obtained from an accredited university or equivalent. Additional training in specific skill sets that provide additional career paths to the IH/OH practitioner can also be obtained. IH/OH practitioners may also serve as team leaders or project managers.
Was this session organized by an AIHA Technical Committee, Special Interest Group, Working Group, Advisory Group or other AIHA project Team?
No
Are worker exposure data and/or results of worker exposure data analysis presented?
Yes
If yes, i.e., If worker exposure data and/or results of worker exposure data analysis are to be presented please describe the statistical methods and tools (e.g. IHSTAT, Expostats, IHSTAT_Bayes, IHDA-AIHA, or other statistical tool, please specify) used for analysis of the data.
While some historical exposure data will be presented, it is insufficient amount of data to run statistical analysis on. The acquired data was based on historical review and not personal collection of samples.
How will this help advance the science of IH/OH?
This poster will assist IH/OH professionals tasked with evaluating historical asbestos exposures and understanding the potential for environmental asbestos exposure from residing in the Marrero, LA area. To ensure an individual's asbestos exposure history is appropriately evaluated, it is imperative that all lifetime exposures are understood and assessed. This poster aims to characterize the full exposure scenario associated with an asbestos-cement facility in Marrero, LA that historically used crocidolite in its operations.
What level would you consider your presentation content geared towards?
Introductory: Introduces an elementary or basic subject area. Participant expected to have zero (0) to two (2) years of experience in industrial hygiene or OEHS, or a technical career path. Prerequisite: general knowledge.
Have you presented this information before?
No
I have read and agree to these guidelines.
Yes