Environmental Characterization and Mortality Experience of Attapulgite Clay Workers

摘要

A retrospective cohort study of attapulgite (12174117) clay mill and mine workers at Engelhard Minerals and Chemicals Corporation (SIC-1454) was carried out, and environmental samples were collected and analyzed. All men who worked for at least 1 month during 1940 through 1975 at the facility made up the cohort. General air samples, personal breathing zone air samples, and settled dust samples were analyzed for free silica (7631869) and trace metals. Particulates were subjected to electron microscope characterization. Iron (7439896) was the only trace metal found in any appreciable quantity. The main constituent of samples was attapulgite clay.