Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (한국산업보건학회지)

Korean Industrial Hygiene Association (한국산업보건학회)
권호 표지

A Review on the Asbestos Substitutes and Health Hazards

석면 대체물질의 종류 및 건강영향 고찰

  • Park, Seung-Hyun (Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute (OSHRI), Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA)) ;
  • Ahn, Jungho (Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute (OSHRI), Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA))
  • 박승현 (한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원) ;
  • 안정호 (한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원)
  • Published : 2013.09.30
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Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to provide information in reference to the health hazards of asbestos substitutes. Methods: This study was conducted by reviewing the literature on the types of asbestos substitutes, product development using alternative materials and the health effects associated with asbestos substitutes. Results: Synthetic or natural fibers such as synthetic vitreous fiber, polyamide, attapulgite, sepiolite and wollastonite are known as asbestos substitutes. According to the patents data of the United States and Europe since the 1970s, many asbestos-free products have been developed in a variety of industries. Health hazards of some asbestos substitutes including synthetic vitreous fibers have been evaluated by many experts, however, additional researches are required to be carried out in the future. Conclusions: Alternatives to asbestos are necessary to develop the asbestos-free products. Health hazards for only several asbestos substitutes have been assessed so far and occupational exposure limit has not been established for many asbestos substitutes yet. Therefore, even though workers are handling asbestos-free products, it is recommended to control the working environment well enough in order to minimize the exposure of workers to dusts or fibers caused during the working process.

Keywords

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