Asbestiform and/or Fibrous Minerals in Mines, Mills, and Quarries.

摘要

One theory of mineral-fiber-induced lung damage holds that the shape and size of the responsible inorganic materials are significant factors. Asbestiform minerals, fibrous minerals, or elongated cleavage fragments, irrespective of the mineral name applied or definitions employed may, therefore, become significant in a health evaluation of airborne dust. Many minerals in ore deposits and quarries exist in variable habits, including the fibrous shape. Names of such minerals vary, depending on locality, availability of analytical equipment and personnel, traditional usage, and other factors. Because of these factors workers in the mining and associated industries unknowingly may be exposed to asbestiform or fibrous minerals. This report discusses mineral assemblages found in ore deposits and quarries, cites potential hazardous minerals, and predicts where fibrous mineral health hazards might exist. (ERA citation 08:047519)