NIOSH Seeks Comments on Latest Draft of Asbestos Roadmap
From NIOSH –
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) requests comment on the draft Current Intelligence Bulletin (CIB) \”Asbestos Fibers and Other Elongate Mineral Particles: State of the Science and Roadmap for Research Version 4\”, NIOSH Docket Number NIOSH 099-C.
Asbestos has been a highly visible issue in public health for over three decades and abundant information is in the scientific literature. However, in part because of the complexity in the mineralogy, the scientific literature has various inconsistencies and inconclusive evidence which have led to uncertainties in identifying and applying the term asbestos for health and regulatory purposes. This has prompted NIOSH to convene a workgroup to investigate this matter. NIOSH is currently considering the scientific research needs to reduce the uncertainties in the science used to develop worker protection policies for asbestos fibers and other elongate mineral particles (EMPs). Subsequently, it is expected that the products of this research will influence how NIOSH views occupational exposure to various minerals when there is a potential for inhalational exposure to EMPs. This document is intended as one step in the process. NIOSH intends to pursue partnerships with other Federal Agencies and other stakeholders to help focus the scope of the research that can contribute to the scientific understanding of asbestos fibers and other EMPs, to fund and conduct the research activities, and to develop and disseminate educational materials describing results from the EMP research and their implications for occupational and public health policies and practices.
As the Federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of worker injury and illness, NIOSH is undertaking a reappraisal of how to ensure appropriate protection of workers from exposure to asbestos fibers and other EMPs. Throughout its development, this Roadmap has undergone substantial public comment and scientific peer review with subsequent revision.
The latest January 2010 draft can be found at Draft entitled Draft NIOSH CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN – Asbestos Fibers and Other Elongate Mineral Particles: State of the Science and Roadmap for Research – Version 4 is being disseminated for public comment. (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/review/public/099-C/pdfs/AsbestosRoadmapPublicDraftV4a.pdf)