Library to be inspected for airborne pollutants
University Research facility safety codes under scrutiny
By Jennifer Louie
Daily Bruin Contributor
When the University Research Library sustained damage from the
1994 Northridge earthquake and asbestos was discovered in the
ceiling tiles, library administrators removed the hazardous mineral
and began making improvements in order to comply with health
regulations.
Now, as the process of asbestos removal nears completion,
library officials are confronted once again with health and safety
codes. The Department of Industrial Relations, a division of the
state’s occupational safety and health agency, is requiring an
inspection of the library for exposure to harmful concentrations of
airborne contaminants.
The inspection has been mandated in response to a complaint from
James Soorani, a doctor at the Washington Eye Clinic in Culver
City.
Soorani alleged that visitors and employees are being exposed to
excessive dust and glass fibers from uncovered ceilings within the
library, which are yet to be replaced.
"A tiny piece of fiberglass can release billions of particles of
tiny pieces of glass that stick to the inner lining of the lungs
and cause chronic bronchitis," Soorani explained.
Soorani said his concern lies with the library’s employees and
students who visit it regularly.
Soorani explained that his concern arose from his own exposure
to mineral wool, which he believes is similar in content to
fiberglass. Soorani claimed that exposure to the substance –
through an air duct in his office – caused him to become an invalid
and lose hair.
In addition, Soorani claimed that a study of Japanese airline
employees working with fine fiberglass later showed an increased
incidence of lung cancer among the employees.
But Soorani’s claim that fiberglass is hazardous met with
contention from doctors and experts.
"The greatest potential of exposed fiberglass is skin irritation
and possibly throat irritation," said Joe Raab, industrial hygiene
manager for UCLA’s environmental health and safety office. Raab
said he is not very concerned about the fiberglass because it is in
blanket form and very good condition.
Others shared in Raab’s confidence in the harmlessness of the
fiberglass.
"Fiberglass at high concentrations can be particularly
irritating, said Philip Harber, professor of occupational and
environmental medicine.
"However, any dust at high concentrations can cause coughing,
though it is benign," Harber explained.
Fiberglass is not listed by any industrial hygiene book as
causing bronchitis, added Rick Greenwood, director of UCLA’s
environmental health and safety office.
Although Soorani said he is aware that there are no regulations
pertaining to fiberglass, he is adamant that the fiberglass in the
library poses a health risk to those who frequently visit the
facility.
The industrial relations department has not yet determined
whether the alleged hazards exist; it is only taking precautionary
measures by requiring employers of the research library to monitor
the work environment, so that the exposures to the employees can be
measured or calculated. The library staff will then notify the
division of the results of the inspection within one week.
Raab said he expects the replacement of the ceiling tiles to be
complete within the next month.
FRED HE/Daily Bruin
The University Research Library ceiling may be releasing harmful
contaminants.
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