Title: Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-84-262-1734, Friction Division Products, Trenton, New Jersey.
Abstract: A request was made by the International Chemical Workers Union on behalf of employees at Friction Division Products to examine possible exposure to asbestos. Approximately 120 employees were engaged in the manufacture of auto and truck brake shoes at the facility. Asbestos was used as a raw material for about 90% of the shoes made. At the time of the inspection, working conditions were poor with asbestos exposure excessive in all areas, including drum mix, preform, grinding, tables and presses. The ventilation system was not properly maintained and measures used to keep the asbestos from becoming airborne were not adequate. Production was allowed to continue even when the debagger was not working. Of 20 workers x-rayed, 2 showed asbestosis. Asbestos fibers were present on work clothes, thus indicating the possibility for contamination to occur at the homes of the workers. The authors conclude that a substantial health hazard exists for workers at this facility and that there is a potential hazard for families of workers.