Grinders
Grinders are among those who are at high risk of asbestos exposure. Grinders use grinding machines to grind down metal into the desired form. Many times they have to deal with metal with asbestos coatings. Generally, coated abrasives release elevated amounts of asbestos dust during the grinding process. Grinders may develop fatal asbestos-related diseases by inhaling this dust. In addition to this, grinders sometimes rework mechanical parts such as brake to bring them to their finished dimensions. These parts may have asbestos linings or pads. Grinding of these parts is dangerous even if the asbestos pad is removed because plenty of asbestos dust still remains. According to an Environmental Protection Agency report released in 1980s, regrinding an old brake block lining release seven million fibers of the cancer-causing substance per cubic meter. EPA report says even a light grinding of an old brake block lining can release more than five million asbestos fibers per cubic meter. It has been widely accepted by the medical specialists that all those work with friction products are at risk of contracting mesothelioma and other asbestos-linked diseases. According to the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, almost 10,000 tons of chrysotile asbestos (the fibrous variety of the mineral) are used for the production of friction materials every year. Asbestos exposure risk for grinders is directly proportional to the quantity of grinding work carried out. Fine asbestos particles released into the air stays airborne for long time. Dusting or vacuuming can bring back the fibers even after they settle down. The only way to remove this obstinate dust is to clean the area with a wet towel. Unfortunately, this is not done so often in work places. As a result of this, grinders inhale a lot of asbestos dust usually and even carry it home.