Interpreting Test Results

 

What are the permissible exposure limits for asbestos?
The following exposure limits are for the workplace environment for fibers longer than 5 micrometers.

 

OSHA - The legal airborne permissible exposure limit [PEL] is 0.1 fiber/cc [fiber per cubic centimeter] averaged over an 8-hour workshift and 1 fiber/cc not to be exceeded during any 30 minute work period.

 

NIOSH - The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 fiber/cc [fiber per cubic centimeter] averaged over an 8-hour workshift.

 

ACGIH - the recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.2 crocidocite. 0.5 amosite, 2 chrysotile and other asbestos, fibers/cc.
Asbestos is a CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be NO safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest level possible.