What is it about?

The study described in the article demonstrated that asbestos fibers released from weathered roof cement are not coated (or “encapsulated”) with asphalt. It describes an innovative use of the ASTM D5755 microvacuum method and concludes with important advice for worker protection.

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Why is it important?

The results lay to rest some misconceptions that were enshrined in the 1997 decision by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals that is cited in the article, namely that: 1. Roof cement is non-friable and remains so during removal. 2. The asbestos fibers remain coated (“encapsulated”) when exposed to weathering 3. There is no inhalation hazard during removal so no precautions are needed The article concludes with advice to roofing workers and their employers to ignore the action by OSHA to de-regulate asphalt roof cements, mastics and coatings pursuant to the Court’s decision and to provide precautions against exposure to airborne asbestos fibers.

Perspectives

The personal perspective of Mr. Oberta is one of having begun an experiment that evolved serendipitously along unexpected lines to produced significantly unexpected results through a previously untried application of the ASTM D5755 microvacuum test method. He also gained the perspective of challenging the basis for legal and regulatory actions through his more complete research into the underlying science. See Releasability of asbestos fibers from weathered roof cement -- Personal notes by Andy Oberta at http://www.asbestosguru-oberta.com/RoofCementStudy.html

Andrew Oberta
The Environmental Consultancy

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This page is a summary of: Releasability of asbestos fibers from weathered roof cement, Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, March 2018, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2018.1448401.
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