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Mohtasham Moein M, Rahmati K, Saradar A, Moon J, Karakouzian M. A Critical Review Examining the Characteristics of Modified Concretes with Different Nanomaterials. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:409. [PMID: 38255577 PMCID: PMC10817359 DOI: 10.3390/ma17020409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The movement of the construction industry towards sustainable development has drawn attention to the revision of concrete. In addition to reducing pollution, the use of nano-materials should lead to the provision of higher quality concrete in terms of regulatory items (workability, resistance characteristics, durability characteristics, microstructure). The present study investigates 15 key characteristics of concrete modified with nano-CaCO3, nano-clay, nano-TiO2, and nano-SiO2. The results of the study showed that nanomaterials significantly have a positive effect on the hydration mechanism and the production of more C-S-H gel. The evaluation of resistance characteristics also indicates the promising results of these valuable materials. The durability characteristics of nano-containing concrete showed significant improvement despite high dispersion. Concrete in coastal areas (such as bridges or platforms), concrete exposed to radiation (such as hospitals), concrete exposed to impact load (such as nuclear power plants), and concrete containing recycled aggregate (such as bricks, tiles, ceramics) can be effectively improved by using nanomaterials. It is hoped that the current review paper can provide an effective image and idea for future applied studies by other researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Komeil Rahmati
- Department of Civil Engineering, Somesara Branch, Islamic Azad University, Somesara 4361947496, Iran;
| | - Ashkan Saradar
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Guilan, Rasht 419961377, Iran
| | - Jaeyun Moon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA;
| | - Moses Karakouzian
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
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2
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Beckett EM, Abelmann A, Roberts B, Lewis RC, Cheatham D, Miller EW, Hall E, Pierce JS. An updated evaluation of reported no-observed adverse effect levels for chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite asbestos for lung cancer and mesothelioma. Crit Rev Toxicol 2023; 53:611-657. [PMID: 38126124 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2283169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
This analysis updates two previous analyses that evaluated the exposure-response relationships for lung cancer and mesothelioma in chrysotile-exposed cohorts. We reviewed recently published studies, as well as updated information from previous studies. Based on the 16 studies considered for chrysotile (<10% amphibole), we identified the "no-observed adverse effect level" (NOAEL) for lung cancer and/or mesothelioma; it should be noted that smoking or previous or concurrent occupational exposure to amphiboles (if it existed) was not controlled for. NOAEL values ranged from 2.3-<11.5 f/cc-years to 1600-3200 f/cc-years for lung cancer and from 100-<400 f/cc-years to 800-1599 f/cc-years for mesothelioma. The range of best-estimate NOAELs was estimated to be 97-175 f/cc-years for lung cancer and 250-379 f/cc-years for mesothelioma. None of the six cohorts of cement or friction product manufacturing workers exhibited an increased risk at any exposure level, while all but one of the six studies of textile workers reported an increased risk at one or more exposure levels. This is likely because friction and cement workers were exposed to much shorter chrysotile fibers. Only eight cases of peritoneal mesothelioma were reported in all studies on predominantly chrysotile-exposed cohorts combined. This analysis also proposed best-estimate amosite and crocidolite NOAELs for mesothelioma derived by the application of relative potency estimates to the best-estimate chrysotile NOAELs for mesothelioma and validated by epidemiology studies with exposure-response information. The best-estimate amosite and crocidolite NOAELs for mesothelioma were 2-5 f/cc-years and 0.6-1 f/cc-years, respectively. The rate of peritoneal mesothelioma in amosite- and crocidolite-exposed cohorts was between approximately 70- to 100-fold and several-hundred-fold higher than in chrysotile-exposed cohorts, respectively. These findings will help characterize potential worker and consumer health risks associated with historical and current chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ethan Hall
- Benchmark Risk Group, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
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3
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Fenton S, Rydz E, Demers PA, Peters CE. Prevalence and Level of Occupational Exposure to Asbestos in Canada in 2016. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 67:536-545. [PMID: 36383235 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Asbestos use has decreased over time but occupational exposure still exists today due to the presence of asbestos in older buildings. The objective of this study was to update CAREX Canada’s prevalence of exposure estimate from 2006 to 2016, and to assess the level of occupational exposure by industry, occupation, province/territory, and sex.
Methods
Estimates by occupation, industry, province/territory, and sex were calculated using labor force data from the 2016 Census of Population and proportions of workers exposed by occupation and industry, which were previously developed for the 2006 estimates and updated here to reflect new knowledge and changes in exposures. Statistics Canada concordance tables were used to account for changes between the 2006 and 2016 job and industry coding systems. Expert assessment was used to qualitatively assign levels of exposure (low, moderate, or high) for each occupation and industry, with consideration of workers’ proximity and access to asbestos-containing material, and the condition and content of asbestos.
Results
Approximately 235 000 workers are exposed to asbestos on the job in Canada. The majority of Canadian workers exposed to asbestos are male (89%). Only 5% of all exposed workers are in the high-exposure category, while most workers are in the low (49%) or moderate (46%) exposure categories. The construction sector and associated jobs (e.g. carpenters, trades helpers and laborers, electricians) accounted for the majority of exposed workers.
Conclusions
Occupational exposure to asbestos continues to occur in Canada. Updating the prevalence of exposure estimate and adding exposure levels highlights the shift from high to lower-lever exposures associated with asbestos-containing materials remaining in the built environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby Fenton
- CAREX Canada, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3 , Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW , Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4 , Canada
| | - Ela Rydz
- CAREX Canada, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3 , Canada
| | - Paul A Demers
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC), Ontario Health , Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X3 , Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7 , Canada
| | - Cheryl E Peters
- CAREX Canada, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3 , Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW , Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4 , Canada
- Population and Public Health, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control , Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4R4 , Canada
- Prevention, Screening and Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer , Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1G1 , Canada
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Holton M, Ellis J, Anderson E, Poole J. Characterization of asbestos exposures associated with the use of facial makeups. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2022; 42:2129-2139. [PMID: 35092968 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There has been renewed interest in the safety of cosmetics that may contain asbestos or other elongate mineral particles at very low levels as a naturally occurring contaminant. The authors evaluated asbestos exposure during the application of facial makeups in a constructed chamber simulating a bathroom space. The facial makeups tested included products previously found to have very low or "trace" asbestos content by governmental and commercial laboratories using a variety of bulk analysis methods. Tremolite asbestos was detected in five of 54 personal air samples and three of 72 area air samples in 18 simulations. The calculated geometric mean and 95th percentile task-based asbestos concentration associated with personal facial makeup use in this study, incorporating censored data, is 0.0015 and 0.0018 fiber per cubic centimeter (f/cc), respectively, with a corresponding 95th percentile 24-h time-weighted average (TWA) asbestos concentration of 0.00008 f/cc for three applications per day in a simulated bathroom with no active ventilation. Based on these results, cumulative non-occupational asbestos exposures confer a less than one in 1,000,000 risk of asbestos-related disease based on many typical usage patterns and less than 1/100,000 risk with upper-end lifetime usage patterns, using the US Environmental Protection Agency asbestos risk model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - James Poole
- OEH Solutions, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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Dodge DG, Engel AM, Prueitt RL, Peterson MK, Goodman JE. US EPA's TSCA risk assessment approach: a case study of asbestos in automotive brakes. Inhal Toxicol 2021; 33:295-307. [PMID: 34788178 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2021.1998258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) is currently refining its approach for risk assessments conducted under the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), largely based on recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). We identified several issues with the current TSCA risk assessment approach that were not addressed by NASEM in its recommendations. Here, we demonstrate these issues with a case study of the 'Risk Evaluation for Asbestos, Part 1: Chrysotile Asbestos,' which US EPA released in December 2020. In this evaluation, US EPA found that occupational and some consumer uses of automotive brakes and clutches that contain asbestos result in unreasonable risks. These risks were calculated from estimated exposures during brake work and an inhalation unit risk (IUR) developed for chrysotile asbestos. We found that US EPA overestimated risk as a result of unrealistic inputs to both the exposure and toxicity components of the risk equation, and because the Agency did not fully consider relevant epidemiology and toxicity evidence in its systematic review. Our evaluation demonstrates areas in which the TSCA risk assessment approach could be improved to result in risk evaluations that are supported by the available scientific evidence.
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Capella S, Bellis D, Fioretti E, Marinelli R, Belluso E. Respirable inorganic fibers dispersed in air and settled in human lung samples: Assessment of their nature, source, and concentration in a NW Italy large city. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114384. [PMID: 32234644 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The present investigation represents a new approach useful to evaluate the general population risk correlated with environmental exposure to air dispersed inorganic fibers. The used method is based on the evaluation of the respirable inorganic fibers both air dispersed in a big city and contained in lungs of the general population following their respiration. Moreover, these data allow to identify the sources of dispersion (anthropogenic or natural) in air of the inorganic fibers and therefore to apply strategies to improve air quality. To describe this approach, we investigated air samples from a big city in NW Italy and lung inorganic burden of people here lived. This paper reports the data of the airborne inorganic fibers detected in two sampling campaign (2014 and 2016), in 24 districts of Torino (Piemonte - NW Italy), and in some autoptic lungs of general population lived here. The airborne fibers (collected on mixed-cellulose esters membrane) were characterized by SEMEDS. The identified inorganic fiber species were assigned to 5 classes, one of these including 2 types of asbestos. These last are grouped as tremolite/actinolite asbestos. They are dispersed from natural sources (i.e. certain kinds of rocks outcropping in the city surrounding areas). In no-one of the 24 districts of Torino their concentration highlighted a situation of asbestos pollution in place. A correlation with inorganic fibers (collected on mixed-cellulose esters membrane and characterized by SEM-EDS) detected in lung tissue samples of 10 subjects lived in Torino all their life and without professional exposure to asbestos were attempted. The only types of fibers identified as asbestos are tremolite/actinolite asbestos, and they match those detected in air sampling. The number of fibers per 1 g of tissue dry weight is lower than the quantities reported as indicative of significant asbestos exposure. We observed interesting gender differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Capella
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre for Studies on Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulates "G. Scansetti", University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Donata Bellis
- Interdepartmental Centre for Studies on Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulates "G. Scansetti", University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Department of Surgery, Pathological Anatomy, Ospedale degli Infermi, Ponderano, Biella, Italy
| | | | | | - Elena Belluso
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre for Studies on Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulates "G. Scansetti", University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, CNR, Unit of Torino, Italy
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7
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Dragani TA. Difficulties in establishing a causal link between chemical exposures and cancer cannot be overcome by court assessments. Hum Exp Toxicol 2020; 39:1095-1107. [PMID: 32153198 DOI: 10.1177/0960327120911426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Scientific data are often used in lawsuits to prove, or dismiss, causation by a claimed factor of a claimed disease. Recent media reports of million-dollar compensations awarded to some cancer patients who had been exposed to certain chemical substances motivated me to examine how solid the causal links really were. Here, I discuss the limitations of epidemiological research on cancer causation and highlight how new knowledge of cancer genetics makes it unrealistic to expect that cancer causation can be clearly demonstrated. I then present two exposure-cancer cases, namely talcum powder-ovarian cancer and glyphosate-non-Hodgkin lymphoma, that led to civil lawsuits decided, in the United States, in favor of the claimants. Both these cancers have several risk factors, among which the claimed exposure presents only a minor, if any, increased risk. Through these cases, I explain why the use of epidemiological data is inappropriate to define causal associations in complex diseases like cancer. I close by suggesting a fairer approach, called proportional liability, to resolving future cancer litigation cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Dragani
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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8
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Girardi P, Merler E, Ferrante D, Silvestri S, Chellini E, Angelini A, Luberto F, Fedeli U, Oddone E, Vicentini M, Barone-Adesi F, Cena T, Mirabelli D, Mangone L, Roncaglia F, Sala O, Menegozzo S, Pirastu R, Azzolina D, Tunesi S, Miligi L, Perticaroli P, Pettinari A, Cuccaro F, Nannavecchia AM, Bisceglia L, Marinaccio A, Pavone VLM, Magnani C. Factors Affecting Asbestosis Mortality Among Asbestos-Cement Workers in Italy. Ann Work Expo Health 2020; 64:622-635. [PMID: 32328661 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was performed with the aim of investigating the temporal patterns and determinants associated with mortality from asbestosis among 21 cohorts of Asbestos-Cement (AC) workers who were heavily exposed to asbestos fibres. METHODS Mortality for asbestosis was analysed for a cohort of 13 076 Italian AC workers (18.1% women). Individual cumulative asbestos exposure index was calculated by factory and period of work weighting by the different composition of asbestos used (crocidolite, amosite, and chrysotile). Two different approaches to analysis, based on Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs) and Age-Period-Cohort (APC) models were applied. RESULTS Among the considered AC facilities, asbestos exposure was extremely high until the end of the 1970s and, due to the long latency, a peak of asbestosis mortality was observed after the 1990s. Mortality for asbestosis reached extremely high SMR values [SMR: males 508, 95% confidence interval (CI): 446-563; females 1027, 95% CI: 771-1336]. SMR increased steeply with the increasing values of cumulative asbestos exposure and with Time Since the First Exposure. APC analysis reported a clear age effect with a mortality peak at 75-80 years; the mortality for asbestosis increased in the last three quintiles of the cumulative exposure; calendar period did not have a significant temporal component while the cohort effect disappeared if we included in the model the cumulative exposure to asbestos. CONCLUSIONS Among heaviest exposed workers, mortality risk for asbestosis began to increase before 50 years of age. Mortality for asbestosis was mainly determined by cumulative exposure to asbestos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Girardi
- Mesothelioma Register of the Veneto Region, Regional Epidemiological System, Azienda Zero, Padua, Italy
| | - Enzo Merler
- Mesothelioma Register of the Veneto Region, Regional Epidemiological System, Azienda Zero, Padua, Italy
| | - Daniela Ferrante
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Cancer Epidemiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy.,CPO-Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Stefano Silvestri
- CPO-Piedmont, Novara, Italy.,Occupational Hygienists, Unit of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Chellini
- Occupational & Environmental Epidemiology Unit-Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia Angelini
- Occupational & Environmental Epidemiology Unit-Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Luberto
- Epidemiology Service, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS, Montecchio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Ugo Fedeli
- Mesothelioma Register of the Veneto Region, Regional Epidemiological System, Azienda Zero, Padua, Italy
| | - Enrico Oddone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Massimo Vicentini
- Epidemiology Service, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS, Montecchio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesco Barone-Adesi
- CPO-Piedmont, Novara, Italy.,Department of 'Scienze del Farmaco', University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Tiziana Cena
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Cancer Epidemiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy.,CPO-Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Dario Mirabelli
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, CPO Piedmont and University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lucia Mangone
- Epidemiology Service, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS, Montecchio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesca Roncaglia
- Epidemiology Service, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS, Montecchio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Orietta Sala
- Occupational Hygienist, Formerly: Regional Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy Emilia-Romagna, Provincial Office of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Simona Menegozzo
- National Cancer Institute IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Pirastu
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Danila Azzolina
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Cancer Epidemiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy.,CPO-Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Sara Tunesi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Cancer Epidemiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy.,CPO-Piedmont, Novara, Italy.,Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, CPO Piedmont and University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lucia Miligi
- Occupational & Environmental Epidemiology Unit-Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | | | - Aldo Pettinari
- Prevention Department, ASUR Marche, Senigallia, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Cuccaro
- Unit of Epidemiology and Statistics-Local Health Unit of Barletta-Andria-Trani, Barletta, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Nannavecchia
- Unit of Epidemiology and Statistics-Local Health Unit of Barletta-Andria-Trani, Barletta, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Marinaccio
- Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Unit of Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Italian Mesothelioma Register, Rome, Italy
| | - Venere Leda Mara Pavone
- Department of Public Health, Prevention and Security Area Work Environments, Local Health Authority, San Lazzaro di Savena, Italy
| | - Corrado Magnani
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Cancer Epidemiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy.,CPO-Piedmont, Novara, Italy
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Neitzel RL, Sayler SK, Demond AH, d'Arcy H, Garabrant DH, Franzblau A. Measurement of asbestos emissions associated with demolition of abandoned residential dwellings. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 722:137891. [PMID: 32208261 PMCID: PMC7261207 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Many cities are revitalizing their urban cores through the demolition of abandoned residential dwellings (ARDs). However, data regarding the emissions of asbestos during such an operation are sparse. We measured airborne asbestos emissions from emergency demolitions (demolitions on structures deemed too dangerous to enter and remove asbestos) of ARDs in Detroit. High-flow air sampling was conducted during ARD demolitions. Air samples were analyzed using Phased Contrast Microscopy (PCM), and a subset using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). One hundred and one air samples were collected on 25 emergency demolitions. Fifty-four of the 101 PCM samples (53%) exceeded the limit of detection (LOD). However, only 2 of 46 TEM samples (4%) exceeded the LOD for asbestos; these latter samples were from two different demolitions and each contained a single chrysotile asbestos fiber. Using conservative exposure assumptions and commonly-accepted risk estimation formulae, we estimated the lifetime risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer combined to be less than one case per one million people. Emissions of airborne asbestos during emergency (unabated) ARD demolition operations appear to be negligible. As a result, the associated health risk for asbestos-related disease is also negligible. Reconsideration of current regulatory mandates for asbestos abatement in ARDs may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Neitzel
- University of Michigan, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Stephanie K Sayler
- University of Michigan, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Avery H Demond
- University of Michigan, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hannah d'Arcy
- University of Michigan, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David H Garabrant
- University of Michigan, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alfred Franzblau
- University of Michigan, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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10
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Characterization of Demolition Construction Waste Containing Asbestos, and the Release of Fibrous Dust Particles. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10114048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper focuses on the characterization of demolition construction waste containing asbestos fibers and the monitoring of fibrous dust released from asbestos–cement products (ACPs) during their removal from a three-story industrial building. Asbestos-containing products removal was carried out according to a demolition management system in terms of protection of workers. The results of a chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, infrared analysis and scanning electron microscopy of demolition waste samples confirmed the same material quality of asbestos–cement (AC) elements used throughout the building. In addition, a MgO/SiO2 ratio corresponding to a serpentine silicate mineral of chrysotile was detected by means of X-ray fluorescence analysis. Also, crystalline phase calcium silicates and calcium carbonates from the cement matrix were identified in the AC waste. The relatively large differences in the elemental analysis between the sample area and the individual points found by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic mapping are related to the composition heterogeneity. The highest content of magnesium occurs where asbestos fibers predominate in the cement matrix. The measured number concentrations of asbestos fibers before, during, and after asbestos–cement products removal were compared to outdoor concentrations. Indoor concentrations of asbestos fibers during the removal of AC materials did not exceed the permissible limit for a working environment (1000 fibers per one m3), except in three spots out of all the working sites inside the building. A relationship between the number and mass concentrations of asbestos dust is shown.
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11
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Moline J, Bevilacqua K, Alexandri M, Gordon RE. Mesothelioma Associated With the Use of Cosmetic Talc. J Occup Environ Med 2020; 62:11-17. [PMID: 31609780 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe 33 cases of malignant mesothelioma among individuals with no known asbestos exposure other than cosmetic talcum powder. METHODS Cases were referred for medico-legal evaluation, and tissue digestions were performed in some cases. Tissue digestion for the six cases described was done according to standard methodology. RESULTS Asbestos of the type found in talcum powder was found in all six cases evaluated. Talcum powder usage was the only source of asbestos for all 33 cases. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to asbestos-contaminated talcum powders can cause mesothelioma. Clinicians should elicit a history of talcum powder usage in all patients presenting with mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Moline
- Northwell Health Department of Occupational Medicine Epidemiology and Prevention (Dr Moline, Ms Bevilacqua); Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead (Ms Alexandri); Department of Pathology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (Dr Gordon), New York, New York
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12
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Burns AM, Barlow CA, Banducci AM, Unice KM, Sahmel J. Potential Airborne Asbestos Exposure and Risk Associated with the Historical Use of Cosmetic Talcum Powder Products. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2019; 39:2272-2294. [PMID: 30980426 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Over time, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for human exposure and risk from asbestos in cosmetic-talc-containing consumer products. In 1985, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a risk assessment evaluating the potential inhalation asbestos exposure associated with the cosmetic talc consumer use scenario of powdering an infant during diapering, and found that risks were below levels associated with background asbestos exposures and risk. However, given the scope and age of the FDA's assessment, it was unknown whether the agency's conclusions remained relevant to current risk assessment practices, talc application scenarios, and exposure data. This analysis updates the previous FDA assessment by incorporating the current published exposure literature associated with consumer use of talcum powder and using the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) nonoccupational asbestos risk assessment approach to estimate potential cumulative asbestos exposure and risk for four use scenarios: (1) infant exposure during diapering; (2) adult exposure from infant diapering; (3) adult exposure from face powdering; and (4) adult exposure from body powdering. The estimated range of cumulative asbestos exposure potential for all scenarios (assuming an asbestos content of 0.1%) ranged from 0.0000021 to 0.0096 f/cc-yr and resulted in risk estimates that were within or below EPA's acceptable target risk levels. Consistent with the original FDA findings, exposure and corresponding health risk in this range were orders of magnitude below upper-bound estimates of cumulative asbestos exposure and risk at ambient levels, which have not been associated with increased incidence of asbestos-related disease.
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Shih AR, Kradin RL. Malignant mesothelioma in Lynch syndrome: A report of two cases and a review of the literature. Am J Ind Med 2019; 62:448-452. [PMID: 31033031 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer most typically associated with prior asbestos exposure. The nature of the relationship between asbestos exposure and hereditary familial syndromes predisposing to malignancy has not been determined. We report two Lynch syndrome patients with paraoccupational asbestos exposure who developed diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura or peritoneum. Interestingly, one showed a separate focus of pleural well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma. It is likely that Lynch syndrome patients are at increased risk for the development of mesothelioma in the setting of exposure to asbestos, even at what is generally considered to be low levels. In the presence of a documented history of low-level asbestos exposure, patients with genetic predisposition disorders (including Lynch syndrome) should be considered to have an independent risk factor modifying the effects of asbestos exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R. Shih
- Department of PathologyMassachusetts General HospitalBoston Massachusetts
| | - Richard L. Kradin
- Department of PathologyMassachusetts General HospitalBoston Massachusetts
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBoston Massachusetts
- Department of Internal MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBoston Massachusetts
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14
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Perez AL, Nelson ML, Cheng TJ, Comerford CE, Scott PK. A meta-analysis of airborne asbestos fiber concentrations from work with or around asbestos-containing floor tile. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2018; 24:134-148. [PMID: 30360686 DOI: 10.1080/10773525.2018.1533671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
In this meta-analysis, exposures to airborne asbestos during work with or around floor tiles were characterized according to several variables: study, sample type, activity, and task. Personal breathing zone, bystander, and area sample exposure concentrations were differentiated and compared against current occupational exposure limits to asbestos. In total, 22 studies, including 804 personal, 57 bystander, and 295 area samples, were included in the analysis. The arithmetic mean airborne fiber concentrations were 0.05, 0.02, and 0.01 f/cm3 for personal, bystander, and area samples, respectively. Arithmetic mean time-weighted-average fiber concentrations over an 8-h working day were 0.02 and 0.01 f/cm3 for personal and bystander samples, respectively. Phase contrast microscopy (PCM) personal airborne fiber concentrations were highest for maintenance activities, followed by removal and installation. Tasks that involved buffing or burnishing, scoring or snapping, and scraping or lifting had the highest personal PCM concentrations, while stripping floor tile and removing it with chemical solvent had the lowest concentrations. Exposures associated with handling asbestos floor tiles, under working conditions normally encountered, do not generally produce airborne concentrations at levels that exceed the current OSHA PEL nor do they appear to approach the threshold cumulative asbestos dose concentrations that have been previously associated with an increased risk of asbestos-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L Perez
- a Senior Toxicologist , CTEH, LLC , Portland , Oregon , USA
| | - Mindy L Nelson
- b Senior EHS Program Manager , Occupational Health , Tesla , CA , USA
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15
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Pierce JS, Riordan AS, Miller EW, Gaffney SH, Hollins DM. Evaluation of the presence of asbestos in cosmetic talcum products. Inhal Toxicol 2018; 29:443-456. [PMID: 29124998 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2017.1392656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Talc has been used for over a century in a variety of cosmetic products. While pure cosmetic talc (free of asbestos) is not considered a risk factor for mesothelioma, it has been recently suggested that inhalation of cosmetic talc containing trace levels of asbestos is a risk factor for mesothelioma. Bulk analyses of cosmetic talcum products were performed in the 1960s and 1970s, however, the analytical methods used at that time were incapable of determining whether asbestos minerals were present in the asbestiform versus non-asbestiform habit. The distinction between these two mineral habits is critical, as non-asbestiform amphibole minerals do not present an asbestos-related cancer risk via inhalation. As such, we evaluated six historical talcum powders using modern-era analytical methods to determine if asbestos is present, and if so, to identify the mineral habit (asbestiform versus non-asbestiform) of the asbestos. Based on their labels, the products were produced by four manufacturers and sold between 1940 and 1977. The products were analyzed in duplicate by two laboratories using standard protocols. Laboratory A analyzed samples using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and polarized light microscopy (PLM), and Laboratory B analyzed samples using PLM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). No asbestiform minerals were found in any of the products. Nonetheless, even if some historical cosmetic talcum products contained trace amounts (≤0.1%) of asbestiform minerals, any resulting asbestos exposure would be expected to be exceedingly low, and comparable to exposures from breathing ambient air.
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16
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Identification and analysis of ambient EMPs. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 361:21-26. [PMID: 29935283 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mineral particles have long been observed in the ambient air and for >40 years, samples of these airborne particulate have been collected in attempt to identify and quantify the amount of asbestos particles in the air. For most of this time, regulated asbestos particles (in the shape of fibers) were the target for these analyses. However, since the turn of the century, more emphasis has been placed on finding and identifying elongate mineral particles (EMPs). For EMPs (particularly serpentine and amphibole minerals), these airborne particles have generally been associated with industrial activities and were reported as "asbestos". Recent monitoring around construction activities involving earth moving have reported concentrations of different mineral particles at sites of varying distance from the activity. The location of detected ambient elongate mineral particles (EMPs) is similar to the locations of soils that also contain EMPs. This close association indicates the necessity for proper mineral identification and valid morphological characterization to allow for source identification. Unfortunately, there continues to be problems with mineral identifications in many studies, regardless of the morphological habit of the particle. This paper addresses the issue of proper mineral identification in ambient air samples.
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17
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Glynn ME, Keeton KA, Gaffney SH, Sahmel J. Ambient Asbestos Fiber Concentrations and Long-Term Trends in Pleural Mesothelioma Incidence between Urban and Rural Areas in the United States (1973-2012). RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2018; 38:454-471. [PMID: 28863229 DOI: 10.1111/risa.12887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 40 years, measured ambient asbestos concentrations in the United States have been higher in urban versus rural areas. The purpose of this study was to determine whether variations in ambient asbestos concentrations have influenced pleural mesothelioma risk in females (who generally lacked historic occupational asbestos exposure relative to males). Male pleural mesothelioma incidence trends were analyzed to provide perspective for female trends. Annual age-adjusted incidence rates from 1973 to 2012 were obtained from the SEER 9, 13, and 18 databases for urban and rural locations, and standardized rate ratios were calculated. Female rural rates exceeded urban rates in almost half of the years analyzed, although the increases were not statistically significant, which is in line with expectations if there was no observable increased risk for urban locations. In contrast, male urban rates were elevated over rural rates for nearly all years examined and were statistically significantly elevated for 22 of the 40 years. Trend analyses demonstrated that trends for females remained relatively constant over time, whereas male urban and rural incidence increased into the 1980s and 1990s, followed by a decrease/leveling off. Annual female urban and rural incidence rates remained approximately five- to six-fold lower than male urban and rural incidence rates on average, consistent with the comparatively increased historical occupational asbestos exposure for males. The results suggest that differences in ambient asbestos concentrations, which have been reported to be 10-fold or greater across regions in the United States, have not influenced the risk of pleural mesothelioma.
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18
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Gaggero L, Sanguineti E, Yus González A, Militello GM, Scuderi A, Parisi G. Airborne asbestos fibres monitoring in tunnel excavation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 196:583-593. [PMID: 28384615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.03.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Tunnelling across ophiolitic formation with Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) can release fibres into the environment, exposing workers, and the population, if fibres spread outside the tunnel, leading to increased risk of developing asbestos-related disease. Therefore, a careful plan of environmental monitoring is carried out during Terzo Valico tunnel excavation. In the present study, data of 1571 samples of airborne dust, collected between 2014 and 2016 inside the tunnels, and analyzed by SEM-EDS for quantification of workers exposure, are discussed. In particular, the engineering and monitoring management of 100 m tunnelling excavation across a serpentinite lens (Cravasco adit), intercalated within calcschists, is reported. At this chrysotile occurrence, 84% of 128 analyzed samples (from the zone closer to the front rock) were above 2 ff/l. However, thanks to safety measures implemented and tunnel compartmentation in zones, the asbestos fibre concentration did not exceed the Italian standard of occupational exposure (100 ff/l) and 100% of samples collected in the outdoor square were below 1 ff/l. During excavation under normal working conditions, asbestos concentrations were below 2 ff/l in 97.4% of the 668 analyzed samples. Our results showed that air monitoring can objectively confirm the presence of asbestos minerals at a rock front in relative short time and provide information about the nature of the lithology at the front. The present dataset, the engineering measures described and the operative conclusions are liable to support the improvement of legislation on workers exposure to asbestos referred to the tunnelling sector, lacking at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gaggero
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, Corso Europa 26, I-16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Elisa Sanguineti
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, Corso Europa 26, I-16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Adrián Yus González
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, Corso Europa 26, I-16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Gaia Maria Militello
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, Corso Europa 26, I-16132 Genova, Italy.
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Abelmann A, Glynn ME, Pierce JS, Scott PK, Paustenbach DJ. Authors' response to Finkelstein's letter to the editor regarding our recent review of ambient airborne asbestos concentrations (Abelmann et al., 2015). Inhal Toxicol 2016; 28:581-582. [PMID: 27706952 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2016.1233310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - M E Glynn
- a Cardno ChemRisk , Chicago , IL , USA
| | | | - P K Scott
- b Cardno ChemRisk , Pittsburgh , PA , USA , and
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20
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Finkelstein MM. Historical ambient airborne asbestos concentrations in the United States. Inhal Toxicol 2016; 28:429-30. [PMID: 27427157 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2016.1203045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Murray Martin Finkelstein
- a Family Medicine, University of Toronto , Toronto , ON , Canada and.,b Family Medicine, McMaster University , Hamilton , ON , Canada
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