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Mining surveillance investigation: natural zeolites. Final report.

Albers A

Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1982 Oct; :1-42

00183523

Background information was provided concerning the zeolite industry in the United States with specific information given about the zeolite mineral family, the mining and processing of these minerals including the number of individuals involved in mining activities and the locations of the most productive mining areas, identification of the principal industrial uses of zeolites, findings from NIOSH industrial hygiene surveys conducted at these mines and zeolite deposits, and the toxic effects of zeolites on humans and animals as determined through a review of the literature. Studies with laboratory animals provided evidence that fibrous varieties of the mineral may produce biological effects similar to those associated with asbestos exposure. An extremely high incidence of pleural mesothelioma among the inhabitants of two villages in central Turkey has been correlated with exposure to a fibrous variety of erionite (12510428). Results of an industrial hygiene survey in the most active commercial mine in the United States did not indicate miner exposure to airborne fibers of zeolites. The author concludes that a retrospective mortality study is not feasible. Inhalation toxicology studies should be conducted.

NIOSH-Author; Mining-industry; Mineral-dusts; Mineral-processing; Construction-materials; Agricultural-chemicals; Solar-energy; Detergent-industry; Laboratory-animals

12510-42-8

19821001

Other

1983

PB89-138960

A04

DRDS

Mining surveillance investigation. Natural zeolites. Final report

WV