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Are zeolites dimensionally equivalent to asbestos?

Authors
Sh KB; Virta RL; Wylie AG
Source
Process Mineralogy II: Applications to Metallurgy Ceramics and Geology 1983; :395-399
Link
NIOSHTIC No.
10002740
Abstract
Questions regarding possible health effects from exposure to zeolites arose when the inhabitants of two villages in Turkey were found to have high incidences of mesothelioma, a disease generally identified with exposure to asbestos. No asbestos deposits are known in the area, but some fibrous zeolites have been found. Further investigations have resulted in conflicting opinions as to whether fibrous zeolites are related to the high incidence of mesothelioma in Turkey. The U.S. Bureau of Mines examined the habits of domestic zeolites by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Only erionite and mordenite particles possessed acicular to fibrous habits. With the exception of a rarely occurring wooly erionite sample, the fibrous zeolites were not dimensionally equivalent to asbestos.
Publication Date
19830101
Document Type
OP;
Fiscal Year
1983
Identifying No.
OP 15-83
NIOSH Division
AVRC;
Source Name
Process Mineralogy II: Applications to Metallurgy, Ceramics and Geology
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division