Evaluating Exposure

The following resources aid in evaluating exposures to synthetic mineral fibers in the workplace. Typically, employee exposures are determined from breathing zone air samples that are representative of the 8-hour work day.

• Exposure Limits for Synthetic Mineral Fibers. OSHA shows the time weighted average (TWA) exposure limits for synthetic mineral fibers suggested by OSHA, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the State of California.
• Marchant, G.E., et al. "A Synthetic Vitreous Fiber (SVF) Occupational Exposure Database: Implementing the SVF Health and Safety Partnership Program." Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene 17.4(2002): 276-285. Describes one element of this Partnership Program, the development of an occupational exposure database that characterizes exposures by fiber type, industry sector, product type, and job description.

Sampling and Analysis

OSHA

• OSHA Occupational Chemical Database. OSHA's premier one-stop shop for occupational chemical information. It compiles information from several government agencies and organizations. Information available on the pages includes chemical identification and physical properties, exposure limits, sampling information, and additional resources.
  • Fibrous Glass Dust
  • Mineral Wool Fiber
  • Particulates not otherwise regulated
  • Refractory Ceramic Fibers
  • Synthetic Vitreous Fibers (Continuous Filament Glass Fibers)

For additional information, see OSHA's Sampling and Analysis Safety and Health Topics Page.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

• NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM). NMAM is a collection of methods for sampling and analysis of contaminants in workplace air, and in the blood and urine of workers who are occupationally exposed. NMAM also includes chapters on quality assurance, sampling, portable instrumentation, etc.
  • Asbestos and Other Fibers by PCM. Method 7400, (August 15, 1994). Includes sampling for fibrous glass and refractory ceramic fibers. (Note: Use NIOSH B rules for synthetic mineral fibers.)
  • Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated, Total. Method 0500, (August 15, 1994). This method is nonspecific and determines the total dust concentration to which a worker is exposed.