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Saturday 20, November, 2004 13:30 - 15:30, No.2 Conference Room Workshop E Epidemiology and Public Health Chairs: Gunnar Hillerdal and Kohki Inai The Study Project for Health Hazards Evaluation in Asbestos-Processing Industries in Thailand VEERADEJKRIENGKRAI Chittima, IKHITSARN Preeyanun, LAOHAUDOMCHOK Wisanti, KONGDUAYKAEW Narong National Institute for the Improvement of Working Conditions and Environment (NICE) Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Bangkok, Thailand ABSTRACT: Since asbestos is classified as a confirmed human carcinogen, the use of this hazardous substance has tended to decrease. In Thailand, the import and possession of asbestos for industrial purpose has become more strictly in control. However, there were still a significant number of industries dealing with asbestos. Especially, some small and medium industries those obviously presented with harmful work environment. At the time, health hazard evaluation on this issue needed to be determined in order to recommend practical preventive measure. This study project was conducted as a major activity of the National Institute for the Improvement of Working Conditions and Environment (NICE) in 1999 through 2001. The follow-up has been continued since then. The survey and environment assessment were conducted in 11 industries of various processes. The processes were categorized into 4 groups, which are; brake pad, clutch, roof-tile, cement duct and other products. All involved in the use of asbestos in friable form. Air samplings were carried out at the workers exposed to asbestos. The measurement samples were totally 107. The laboratory analysis of environmental samples was run using the computerized asbestos analytical system (equipped with a phase-contrast microscope and software for asbestos counting and sizing). In overall, the airborne asbestos concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 43.31 fibers/cc. (average of 5.45 fibers/cc.). Of these 107 measurements, 39 samples (36.45 %) exceeded the standard. The mean concentrations of asbestos in brake industries, clutch industries, and cement products industries, were 6.93, 1.45, and 0.81 fiber/cc., respectively. The possible affecting factors were discussed, while the practical preventive and control measures were recommended. |