Asbestos, a group of fibrous silicate minerals known to cause various adverse health effects, is associated with pulmonary fibrosis, bronchogenic carcinoma, and malignant mesotheliomas of the pleura and peritoneum. Past attention primarily focused on human exposure and health effects of commercial asbestos. There is renewed concern about the potential health effects of asbestos minerals that occur in rocks (such as serpentinite, a common rock in many parts of the U.S.) or that occur with minerals used commercially (such as vermiculite and talc). In vitro and in vivo studies have shown asbestos to be cytotoxic and mutagenic; however, the responsible mechanisms are still not fully understood. Many remaining uncertainties are best answered through continued and increased collaborative research between earth-science and health-related communities. Uncertainties include, for example: Where do asbestos minerals occur geologically and geographically, both within the United States and worldwide? How do these occurrences contribute to human exposure and disease, either through natural weathering processes or human activities such as road building or quarrying? Does significant trans-oceanic transport of asbestos dust occur? Can mineralogical characteristics (i.e. mineral composition, mineral solubilities in bodily fluids, surface charge, shape) result in individual asbestos minerals having their own unique toxicities? Can knowledge of the mineralogical properties and geochemical behavior of asbestos minerals be used to improve human exposure mitigation and disease treatment? This presentation will review recent USGS research activities that address these and other questions about the geology and geochemistry of the asbestos minerals, and their links to health problems.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will:
Keywords: Asbestos, Hazardous Air Pollutants
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.