Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is used in a variety of products and applications throughout the world. Many uses have been banned or discontinued due to the unacceptable risks to populations that come in contact with the material. However, the potential risks of a product can vary widely depending on the exposure and fiber characteristics (type, length, etc.). Exponent has expertise in the disciplines needed to evaluate health risks associated with different asbestos fiber types and exposures, including exposure assessment, epidemiology, industrial hygiene, pathology, state of the art, and risk assessment. In addition, Exponent scientists are knowledgeable of current government activities regarding health risk assessments of asbestos, and we maintain a library of asbestos-related literature relevant to each of these fields.
Exponent’s staff is well acquainted with the literature and issues related to numerous asbestos-containing products, including:
- Gaskets
- Friction materials (e.g., brakes and clutches)
- Roofing materials
- Joint compounds
- Mastics and adhesives
- Talc
- Phenolic molding compounds/resins
- Attic insulation
We have performed numerous exposure simulations to measure and characterize exposures from various products. In addition, we have performed dose reconstructions to re-create and estimate the exposure to products.
Representative Publications
- Kelsh MA, Craven VA, Teta MJ, Mowat FS, Goodman, M. Mesothelioma in vehicle mechanics: is the risk different for Australians? Occupational Medicine 2007; 57:581–589.
- Mowat F, Weidling R, Sheehan P. Simulation tests to assess occupational exposure to airborne asbestos from asphalt-based roofing products. Ann Occup Hyg 2007; 51:451–462.
- Finley BL, Richter RO, Mowat FS, Mlynarek S, Paustenbach DJ, Warmerdam JL, Sheehan PJ. Cumulative asbestos exposure for U.S. automobile mechanics involved in brake repair (circa 1950s–2000). Journal of Exp Sci Environ Epidemiol 2007; 17:644–655
- Mowat F, Bono M, Tamburello S, Paustenbach D. Occupational exposure to airborne absestos from phenolic molding material (Bakelite) during sanding, drilling, and related activities. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene 2005; 2:497–507.
- Goodman M, Teta MJ, Hessel PA, Garabrant DH, Craven VA, Scrafford CG, Kelsh MA. Mesothelioma and lung cancer among motor vehicle mechanics: A meta-analysis. Annals of Occupational Hygiene 2004; 48(4):309–326.