Asbestos exposure assessment for ceiling tile removal using glove bags in small indoor facilities

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the safety of small-scale asbestos dismantling and removal work, especially ceiling tile removal using glove bags (GBs), and to investigate the potential for asbestos dispersion in GBs during ceiling material removal to propose safe work practices and related re...

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Main Authors: Sung Ho Hwang, Moonjong Yun, Doo-Young Kim, Byung Kyu Lee, Dae Sung Lim
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06762-8
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author Sung Ho Hwang
Moonjong Yun
Doo-Young Kim
Byung Kyu Lee
Dae Sung Lim
author_facet Sung Ho Hwang
Moonjong Yun
Doo-Young Kim
Byung Kyu Lee
Dae Sung Lim
author_sort Sung Ho Hwang
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the safety of small-scale asbestos dismantling and removal work, especially ceiling tile removal using glove bags (GBs), and to investigate the potential for asbestos dispersion in GBs during ceiling material removal to propose safe work practices and related regulations. Asbestos exposure assessment was conducted at five asbestos-containing ceiling tile dismantling sites nationwide. Air sampling was performed during ceiling tile removal at four points per site: near workers’ respiratory tract, at the GB fixed boundary, inside the GB, and within the general work area. Phase contrast microscopy was applied to determine asbestos. The results indicated that airborne asbestos concentrations varied by region, with the highest levels detected inside the GB. Elevated concentrations were also observed near workers’ respiratory tract. During ceiling tile removal, asbestos concentrations increased as the number of ceiling tiles removed rose from one to three. Proper sealing of asbestos dust to prevent leakage from the GB is essential, and removing ceiling tiles individually rather than in batches effectively reduces asbestos concentrations.
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publishDate 2025-07-01
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spelling doaj-art-2a3efd8323fd4c15b3051d1b7cb2a9bc2025-08-20T04:01:35ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-07-011511810.1038/s41598-025-06762-8Asbestos exposure assessment for ceiling tile removal using glove bags in small indoor facilitiesSung Ho Hwang0Moonjong Yun1Doo-Young Kim2Byung Kyu Lee3Dae Sung Lim4Department of Health, Environment and Safety, Yong In UniversityECO Analysis and Technology Co., Ltd.Department of Safety Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and TechnologyOccupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health AgencyHansung Health and Safety Technology Co., Ltd.Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the safety of small-scale asbestos dismantling and removal work, especially ceiling tile removal using glove bags (GBs), and to investigate the potential for asbestos dispersion in GBs during ceiling material removal to propose safe work practices and related regulations. Asbestos exposure assessment was conducted at five asbestos-containing ceiling tile dismantling sites nationwide. Air sampling was performed during ceiling tile removal at four points per site: near workers’ respiratory tract, at the GB fixed boundary, inside the GB, and within the general work area. Phase contrast microscopy was applied to determine asbestos. The results indicated that airborne asbestos concentrations varied by region, with the highest levels detected inside the GB. Elevated concentrations were also observed near workers’ respiratory tract. During ceiling tile removal, asbestos concentrations increased as the number of ceiling tiles removed rose from one to three. Proper sealing of asbestos dust to prevent leakage from the GB is essential, and removing ceiling tiles individually rather than in batches effectively reduces asbestos concentrations.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06762-8AsbestosGlove-bagSmall indoor facilitiesCeiling tile
spellingShingle Sung Ho Hwang
Moonjong Yun
Doo-Young Kim
Byung Kyu Lee
Dae Sung Lim
Asbestos exposure assessment for ceiling tile removal using glove bags in small indoor facilities
Scientific Reports
Asbestos
Glove-bag
Small indoor facilities
Ceiling tile
title Asbestos exposure assessment for ceiling tile removal using glove bags in small indoor facilities
title_full Asbestos exposure assessment for ceiling tile removal using glove bags in small indoor facilities
title_fullStr Asbestos exposure assessment for ceiling tile removal using glove bags in small indoor facilities
title_full_unstemmed Asbestos exposure assessment for ceiling tile removal using glove bags in small indoor facilities
title_short Asbestos exposure assessment for ceiling tile removal using glove bags in small indoor facilities
title_sort asbestos exposure assessment for ceiling tile removal using glove bags in small indoor facilities
topic Asbestos
Glove-bag
Small indoor facilities
Ceiling tile
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06762-8
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