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At least 19 records

Development of a testing method for asbestos fibers in treated materials of asbestos containing wastes by transmission electron microscopy

Highlights: • A high sensitive and selective testing method for asbestos in treated materials of asbestos containing wastes was developed. • Asbestos can be determined at a limits are a few million fibers per gram and a few μg g{sup −1}. • High temperature melting treatment samples were determined by this method. Asbestos fiber concentration were below the quantitation limit in all samples, and total fiber concentrations were determined as 47–170 × 10{sup 6} g{sup −1}. - Abstract: Appropriate treatment of asbestos-containing wastes is a significant problem. In Japan, the inertization of asbestos-containing wastes based on new treatment processes approved by the Minister of the Environment is promoted. A highly sensitive method for testing asbestos fibers in inertized materials is required so that these processes can be approved. We developed a method in which fibers from milled treated materials are extracted in water by shaking, and are counted and identified by transmission electron microscopy. Evaluation of this method by using asbestos standards and simulated slag samples confirmed that the quantitation limits are a few million fibers per gram and a few μg/g in a sample of 50 mg per filter. We used this method to assay asbestos fibers in slag samples produced by high-temperature melting of asbestos-containing wastes. Fiber concentrations were below the quantitation limit in all samples, and total fiber concentrations were determined as 47–170 × 10{sup −6} f/g. Because the evaluation of treated materials by TEM is difficult owing to the limited amount of sample observable, this testing method should be used in conjunction with bulk analytical methods for sure evaluation of treated materials.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Industrial Hygiene Asbestos Negative Exposure Assessment Class III Wallboard penetration and removal up to 10 square feet of wallboard with asbestos containing joint compound

This negative exposure assessment (NEA) for asbestos is a certification stating that a specific type of work involving one or more hazardous materials has been evaluated and found not to result in exposure in excess of applicable standards. This assessment included the collection of personal exposure air samples and a review of the operation by an Industrial Hygienist. Work which deviates from the provisions below falls outside of the scope of this NEA and may result in exposure of personnel to hazardous materials in excess of applicable standards. Such operations must be independently evaluated.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Neutralization of cement-asbestos waste by melting in an arc-resistance furnace

Highlights: • Interesting possibility for cement-asbestos wastes utilisation. • Product of thermal treatment of cement-asbestos may be considered as useful secondary raw material. • Complete destruction of asbestos fibrous structure by melting process in arc-resistance furnace. • Reduction of cement-asbestos waste melting point by flux addition. - Abstract: The paper presents the results of research on asbestos waste disposal by the melting process. The tests were carried out in a laboratory arc-resistance electric furnace. The obtained results showed that the fibrous structure of asbestos contained in cement-asbestos waste was completely destroyed. This led to the formation of new mineral phases without dangerous properties. The melting test was conducted on raw cement-asbestos samples without any additives and with a content of mineral compounds, the aim of which was to support the melting process. The additives were selected among others on the basis of the computer simulation results carried out using FactSage database computing system. The research results indicate that the melting process of asbestos wastes is a potential and interesting method of neutralizing hazardous asbestos waste, which allows for further treatment and material recycling.

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Electrical and Magnetic Properties of Pb and In Nanofilaments in Asbestos near the Superconducting Transition

Bulk nanocomposites based on superconducting metals Pb and In embedded into matrices of natural chrysotile asbestos with the nanotube internal diameter d ~ 6 nm have been fabricated and studied. The low-temperature electrical and magnetic properties of the nanocomposites demonstrate the superconducting transition with the transition critical temperature T{sub c} ≈ (7.18 ± 0.02) K for the Pb–asbestos nanocomposite (this temperature is close to T{sub c} {sub bulk} = 7.196 K for bulk Pb). The electrical measurements show that In nanofilaments in asbestos have T{sub c} ~ 3.5–3.6 K that is higher than T{sub c} {sub bulk} = 3.41 K for bulk In. It is shown that the temperature smearing of the superconducting transition in the temperature dependences of the resistance R(T) ΔT ≈ 0.06 K for the Pb–asbestos and ΔT ≈ 1.8 K for the In–asbestos are adequately described by the fluctuation Aslamazov–Larkin and Langer–Ambegaokar theories. The resistive measurements show that the critical magnetic fields of the nanofilaments extrapolated to T = 0 K are H{sub c}(0) ~ 47 kOe for Pb in asbestos and H{sub c}(0) ~ 1.5 kOe for In in asbestos; these values are significantly higher than the values for the bulk materials (HH{sub c}{sup bulk} = 803 Oe for Pb and H{sub c}{sup bulk} = 285 Oe for In). The results of the electrical measurements for Pb‒asbestos and In–asbestos agree with the data for the magnetic-field dependences of the magnetic moment in these nanocomposites.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Hanford site asbestos management lessons learned - 15183

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for the environmental cleanup of the Hanford Site central plateau. As part of this responsibility, DOE contractors conduct deactivation, decommissioning, decontamination, and demolition (D4) of retired/inactive facilities, including very large chemical processing facilities. To date, DOE contractors have demolished hundreds of facilities, reducing baseline site maintenance costs and reducing the environmental threats and hazards that the degrading buildings present. Many of these Hanford facilities include asbestos-containing materials (as well as other hazardous components), which must be managed in compliance with applicable regulations and standards. In most cases, the facilities are demolished as Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) removal or remedial actions. In an effort to streamline cleanup operations and to utilize site cleanup funding more efficiently, while still being protective of personnel and the environment, agreements were reached between the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Hanford Project Office, the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology), the Benton Clean Air Agency (BCAA) and the US Department of Energy Richland Operations Office (DOE-RL) on approaches to be utilized for demolition. One of these approaches would involve leaving cement asbestos board siding (e.g. transite), an EPA National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Category II non-friable asbestos-containing material, in place during demolition using heavy equipment, employing a set of controls that would maintain protection of personnel and the environment. This agreement was documented in a number of formal communications, including Notices of Intent issued as required by the asbestos NESHAP regulation, letters between the various agencies, CERCLA work plans, and the approved contractor baselines. A large number of buildings were demolished with transite siding in place, using the agreed upon controls and approaches. Personnel breathing zone and work area perimeter monitoring verified that the controls employed were protective in that there were no exceedances of permissible exposure limits during or after the demolition operations. EPA later reconsidered their previous concurrence with demolishing transite materials in place and issued a joint letter with Ecology revoking concurrence on any of the aforementioned CERCLA decision documents and associated work plans. DOE and their contractors took action to comply with the approach to demolition preferred by EPA for future demolitions, and initiated a series of actions to modify asbestos management practices in their operations accordingly. This paper will discuss both the actions taken to address EPA concerns with sites where transite materials were left in place for demolition and actions taken to ensure that the central plateau D4 program complies with the 40 CFR 61 Subpart M, National Emission Standard for Asbestos, (Asbestos NESHAP) methods for asbestos management. (authors)

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Comparative health effects in mice of Libby amphibole asbestos and a fibrous amphibole from Arizona

This project developed from studies demonstrating that Libby Amphibole Asbestos (LAA) causes a non-typical set of health outcomes not generally reported for asbestos, including systemic autoimmunity and an unusual and devastating lamellar pleural thickening that progresses to severe pulmonary dysfunction and death. Further, mineral fiber mixtures with some similarities to LAA have recently been discovered in southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona, where the material exists in extensive recreational areas and is present in yards, roads, parking lots and school yards. The objective was to compare the health outcomes in mice exposed to either LAA or the fibrous amphiboles collected in Arizona at the Lake Mead National Recreational Area at very low doses to represent environmental exposures. In this study, the fibrous amphibole asbestos sample from Arizona (AzA) is composed of winchite (69%), actinolite (22%), and non-amphibole minerals (9%) and has a mean aspect ratio of 16.7 ± 0.9. Fibrous amphibole asbestos from Libby (LAA) is composed of winchite (70%), richterite (9%), tremolite (5%), and non-amphibole minerals (16%) with a mean aspect ratio of 8.4 ± 0.7. C57BL/6 mice were exposed by oropharyngeal aspiration to fiber suspensions at a very low dose of 3 μg/mouse. After seven months, both LAA- and AzA-exposed mice had indices of chronic immune dysfunction related to a T{sub H}17 cytokine profile, with B cell activation, autoantibody production and proteinuria, suggesting kidney involvement. In addition, both exposures led to significant lung and pleural fibrosis. These data suggest that there is risk of pulmonary disease and autoimmune outcomes with environmental exposure to amphibole asbestos, and that this is not limited to Libby, Montana. - Highlights: • Health effects of Arizona versus Libby amphibole asbestos were comparable in mice. • Both fibers led to immune changes consistent with autoimmune dysfunction. • Both fibers caused significant increases in interstitial and pleural fibrosis. • Novel sources of asbestos could pose health risks even at low exposure levels.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Optimal management program for asbestos containing building materials to be available in the event of a disaster

Highlights: • The safe management of asbestos is a matter of considerable importance. • There is a lack of literature concerning the development of a program for ACBMs. •A management program for the optimal disposal of ACBMs has been developed. • This program is also available in the event of a post-disaster. - Abstract: The safe management and disposal of asbestos is a matter of considerable importance. A large number of studies have been undertaken to quantify the issue of waste management following a disaster. Nevertheless, there have been few (if any) studies concerning asbestos waste, covering the amount generated, the cost of disposal, and the degree of hazard incurred. Thus, the current study focuses on developing a program for the management of Asbestos Containing Building Materials (ACBMs), which form the source of asbestos waste in the event of a disaster. The study will also discuss a case study undertaken in a specific region in Korea in terms of: (1) the location of ACBM-containing buildings; (2) types and quantities of ACBMs; (3) the cost of ACBM disposal; (4) the amount of asbestos fiber present during normal times and during post-disaster periods; (5) the required order in which ACBM-containing buildings should be dismantled; and (6) additional greenhouse gases generated during ACBM removal. The case study will focus on a specific building, with an area of 35.34 m{sup 2}, and will analyze information concerning the abovementioned points. In addition, the case study will focus on a selected area (108 buildings) and the administrative district (21,063 buildings). The significance of the program can be established by the fact that it visibly transmits information concerning ACBM management. It is a highly promising program, with a widespread application for the safe management and optimal disposal of asbestos in terms of technology, policy, and methodology.

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Mechanical Demolition of Buildings with Concrete Asbestos Board Siding: Methodology, Precautions, and Results at the Hanford Central Plateau - 12417

Since the start of its contract in 2008, the CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company (CH2M HILL) has demolished 25 buildings with concrete asbestos board (CAB) siding using mechanical means. While the asbestos contained in CAB siding is not friable in its manufactured form, concerns persist that mechanical methods of demolition have the potential to render the asbestos friable and airborne, therefore posing a health risk to demolition workers and the public. CH2M HILL's experience demonstrates that when carefully managed, mechanical demolition of CAB siding can be undertaken safely, successfully, and in compliance with regulatory requirements for the disposal of Class II Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM). While the number of buildings demolished at Hanford and the number of samples collected does not make a conclusive argument that CAB cannot be made friable with normal demolition techniques, it certainly provides a significant body of evidence for the success of the approach. Of course, there are many factors that affect how to demolish a structure and dispose of the waste. These factors will impact the success depending on each site. The most obvious factors which contribute to this success at Hanford are: 1. The availability of onsite waste disposal where the handling and cost of asbestos-containing waste is not much different than other potentially contaminated waste. Therefore, segregation of demolition debris from the potential asbestos contamination is not necessary from a debris handling or asbestos disposal aspect. 2. The space between structures is typically significant enough to allow for large exclusion zones. There are not many restrictions due to cohabitation issues or potential contamination of adjacent facilities. 3. The willingness of the regulators and client to understand the industrial safety issues associated with manual CAB removal. (authors)

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Evaluation of the fate and pathological response in the lung and pleura of brake dust alone and in combination with added chrysotile compared to crocidolite asbestos following short-term inhalation exposure

This study was designed to provide an understanding of the biokinetics and potential toxicology in the lung and pleura following inhalation of brake dust following short term exposure in rats. The deposition, translocation and pathological response of brake-dust derived from brake pads manufactured with chrysotile were evaluated in comparison to the amphibole, crocidolite asbestos. Rats were exposed by inhalation 6 h/day for 5 days to either brake-dust obtained by sanding of brake-drums manufactured with chrysotile, a mixture of chrysotile and the brake-dust or crocidolite asbestos. The chrysotile fibers were relatively biosoluble whereas the crocidolite asbestos fibers persisted through the life-time of the animal. This was reflected in the lung and the pleura where no significant pathological response was observed at any time point in the brake dust or chrysotile/brake dust exposure groups through 365 days post exposure. In contrast, crocidolite asbestos produced a rapid inflammatory response in the lung parenchyma and the pleura, inducing a significant increase in fibrotic response in both of these compartments. Crocidolite fibers were observed embedded in the diaphragm with activated mesothelial cells immediately after cessation of exposure. While no chrysotile fibers were found in the mediastinal lymph nodes, crocidolite fibers of up to 35 μm were observed. These results provide support that brake-dust derived from chrysotile containing brake drums would not initiate a pathological response in the lung or the pleural cavity following short term inhalation. - Highlights: • Evaluated brake dust w/wo added chrysotile in comparison to crocidolite asbestos. • Persistence, translocation, pathological response in the lung and pleural cavity. • Chrysotile cleared rapidly from the lung while the crocidolite asbestos persisted. • No significant pathology in lung or pleural cavity observed at any time point in the brake-dust groups. • Crocidolite quickly produced pathological response in the lung and pleural cavity.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Special Analysis for the Disposal of the Idaho National Laboratory Regulated Asbestos Waste Stream at the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site, Nevada National Security Site, Nye County, Nevada

This special analysis (SA) evaluates whether the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Regulated Asbestos waste stream is suitable for disposal by shallow land burial at the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site on the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). The INL Regulated Asbestos waste stream consists of asbestos and asbestos-contaminated debris. The INL Regulated Asbestos waste stream requires an SA to resolve whether it is acceptable to dispose of tritium ( 3 H) at activity concentrations exceeding the NNSS Waste Acceptance Criteria Action Level.

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Evaluation of the deposition, translocation and pathological response of brake dust with and without added chrysotile in comparison to crocidolite asbestos following short-term inhalation: Interim results

Chrysotile has been frequently used in the past in manufacturing brakes and continues to be used in brakes in many countries. This study was designed to provide an understanding of the biokinetics and potential toxicology following inhalation of brake dust following short term exposure in rats. The deposition, translocation and pathological response of brake dust derived from brake pads manufactured with chrysotile were evaluated in comparison to the amphibole, crocidolite asbestos. Rats were exposed by inhalation 6 h/day for 5 days to either brake dust obtained by sanding of brake-drums manufactured with chrysotile, a mixture of chrysotile and the brake dust or crocidolite asbestos. No significant pathological response was observed at any time point in either the brake dust or chrysotile/brake dust exposure groups. The long chrysotile fibers (> 20 μm) cleared quickly with T{sub 1/2} estimated as 30 and 33 days, respectively in the brake dust and the chrysotile/brake dust exposure groups. In contrast, the long crocidolite fibers had a T{sub 1/2} > 1000 days and initiated a rapid inflammatory response in the lung following exposure resulting in a 5-fold increase in fibrotic response within 91 days. These results provide support that brake dust derived from chrysotile containing brake drums would not initiate a pathological response in the lung following short term inhalation. - Highlights: • We evaluated brake dust w/wo added chrysotile in comparison to crocidolite asbestos. • Persistence, translocation, pathological response in the lung and pleural cavity. • Chrysotile cleared rapidly from the lung while the crocidolite asbestos persisted. • No significant pathology observed at any time point in the brake-dust groups. • Crocidolite produced pathological response - Wagner 4 interstitial fibrosis by 32d.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

UNREVIEWED DISPOSAL QUESTION EVALUATION: Disposal of the West Valley Demonstration Project Asbestos Contaminated Low-Level Waste Debris at the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site, Nevada National Security Site, Nye County, Nevada

This Unreviewed Disposal Question Evaluation (UDQE) assesses whether the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) Asbestos Contaminated Low-Level Waste Debris (WVDP000000023, Revision 3 [WVDP 2018a]) is suitable for shallow land burial (SLB) at the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site (RWMS) on the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). Disposal of the WVDP Asbestos Contaminated Low-Level Waste Debris meets all performance objectives of U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Manual DOE M 435.1-1, Radioactive Waste Management Manual, Chapter IV, Section P (DOE 1999). The WVDP Asbestos Contaminated Low-Level Waste Debris is recommended for acceptance with the condition that the total radium-226 (226Ra) waste stream activity shall not exceed 1.4E8 Bq.

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Unreviewed Disposal Question Evaluation: Disposal of the Materials & Energy Corporation Regulated Asbestos Mixed Low-Level Waste Macroencapsulated Debris at the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site, Nevada National Security Site, Nye County, Nevada

This Unreviewed Disposal Question Evaluation assesses whether the Materials and Energy Corporation (M&EC) Regulated Asbestos Mixed Low-Level Waste (MLLW) Macroencapsulated Debris waste stream is suitable for shallow land burial at the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site on the Nevada National Security Site. Disposal of the M&EC Regulated Asbestos MLLW Macroencapsulated Debris Waste meets all DOE M 435.1-1 performance objectives. The M&EC Regulated Asbestos MLLW Macroencapsulated Debris waste stream is recommended for acceptance without conditions.

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UNREVIEWED DISPOSAL QUESTION EVALUATION: Disposal of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Regulated Asbestos-Contaminated Low-Level Waste at the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Sited, Nevada National Security Site, Nye County, Nevada

This Unreviewed Disposal Question Evaluation (UDQE) assesses whether the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Regulated Asbestos-Contaminated Low-Level Waste (LANL000000029, Revision 5 [LANL 2017]) is suitable for shallow land burial (SLB) at the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site (RWMS) on the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). Disposal of the LANL Regulated Asbestos-Contaminated Low-Level Waste meets all U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Manual DOE M 435.1-1, Radioactive Waste Management Manual, Chapter IV, Section P performance objectives (DOE 1999). The LANL Regulated Asbestos Contaminated Low-Level Waste is recommended for acceptance without conditions.

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Unreviewed Disposal Question Evaluation: Disposal of the West Valley Demonstration Project Asbestos Contaminated Low-Level Waste Debris at the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site, Nevada National Security Site, Nye County, Nevada

This Unreviewed Disposal Question Evaluation assesses whether the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) Asbestos Contaminated Low-Level Waste (LLW) Debris is suitable for shallow land burial at the Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Site on the Nevada National Security Site. Disposal of the WVDP Asbestos Contaminated LLW Debris meets all performance objectives in DOE M 435.1-1, “Radioactive Waste Management Manual,” Chapter IV, Section P. The WVDP Asbestos Contaminated LLW Debris is recommended for acceptance with the condition that the total radium-226 (226Ra) waste stream activity shall not exceed 2E+9 Bq.

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