Fibrous Glass Aerosols: A Literature Review
Abstract
The submarine atmospheric is a topic of interest, considering that once submerged, the craft relies on its own electrostatic precipitators (ESP's), scrubbers, and filters to create, ideally, an environment with minimal aerosolized toxic materials and other by-products. Historically, atmosphere sampling aboard nuclear submarines has shown contaminants. Other contaminants include: ozone, (major source: by-product of the ESP's); Freon, (major source: ship's refrigeration system and air conditioning plants); hydrogen, (major source: ship's batteries); carbon dioxide, (major source: human respiration); and carbon monoxide, (major source: cigarette smoking). Contaminants tested for but not found were elemental mercury, and asbestos. Considering that asbestos is no longer recommended for use, secondary to its carcinogenci and co-carcinogenic qualities, fibrous glass has become a common substitute. One use of fibrous glass aboard the Ohio class submarine is acoustic and thermal insulation around perforated ducting, which runs through many exposed, high traffic spaces, i.e. crew's berthing spaces. Although the raw fibrous glass is protected from the environment it is possible, through natural wear and tear of the housing material, that at some time the insulating material may become exposed and mechanically aerosolized. Obvious questions then are: a) do submarine aerosols contain fiber glass, and b) are there health hazards related to the inhalation of these fibers? This paper reviews our current knowledge as to the health hazard of exposure. Keywords: Exposure(Physiology).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 02, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA188420
Entities
People
- Bruce R. Laverty
Organizations
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory