Evaluates the risks to human health posed by occupational and environmental exposure to selected synthetic organic fibres. Fibres covered include carbon and graphite fibres, aramid fibres, and polyolefin fibres. Carbon and aramid fibres are used mainly in advanced composite materials to improve strength, stiffness, durability, electrical conductivity, or heat resistance. Since these fibres improve properties without adding much weight, they are used primarily in the aerospace industry, for military purposes, and in the manufacture of sports equipment. Polyolefin fibres are used in carpet pile, upholstery, bedding, curtains, and other household textile applications. The largest use of polyolefin fabric in clothing is in disposable diapers and athletic socks.

Basic information on chemical and physical properties and methods of production is followed by a review of data from studies of exposure in the occupational environment, where operations such as fibre forming, winding, chopping, weaving, cutting, and machining and composite formation release fibre dusts into the workplace. The most extensive chapter, focused on the results of toxicological studies in laboratory animals and in vitro test systems, reviews the many important methodological problems, including choice of exposure route, that make it difficult to assess effects and extrapolate findings to humans. Although data from human studies are limited, the report concludes that occupational exposure to these synthetic organic fibres may have adverse effects on the respiratory system. The report further concludes that the health risk associated with exposure in the general environment is likely to be very low.

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