Analysis of NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Data on the Use of Asbestos-Containing Products

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

The NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program is a valuable resource that assesses the potential exposures experienced by workers during on-site surveys of U.S. workplaces. This analysis: 1) compiles, characterizes, and contextualizes personal air sampling data on asbestos fiber concentrations evaluated under the HHE program, and 2) evaluates trends in the data. We searched for HHE reports published through August 12, 2025, that collected personal breathing zone (PBZ) measurements for asbestos during end-use applications of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Qualitative and quantitative data were extracted to characterize exposure scenarios across various occupational settings. PBZ samples were then grouped based on sample duration (e.g., full shift, task, or short-term). Data were stratified by ACM type, job title, and job task, and stratified in relation to corresponding OSHA PELs. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the entire dataset and each data group, and trends were identified. The final dataset included 46 reports (N=256 samples). Of these, ~40% (N=102) were below the limit of detection (LOD). This analysis revealed that full-shift fiber concentrations across various industries have been below OSHA's 8-hour PELs, and airborne fiber concentrations have generally decreased over time. These results can assist OEHS professionals in assessing exposure to fiber concentrations from asbestos-containing products.

D.A. Campbell, Benchmark Risk Group, Chicago, IL;
A.M. Gauthier, Benchmark Risk Group, Los Angeles, CA;
A. Abelmann, Benchmark Risk Group, Chicago, IL;
C.E. Comerford, Benchmark Risk Group, Chicago, IL;
R.C. Lewis, Benchmark Risk Group, Oakland, CA;
J.S. Pierce, Benchmark Risk Group, Chicago, IL 

none 

Aerosol and airborne particulate monitoring

Asbestos, lead, and dust

Exposure Assessment