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Asbestos Mineralogy and Health Effects

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Malignant Mesothelioma

Conclusion

Asbestos, characterized as a group A human carcinogen, is a generic name given to the fibrous variety of six naturally occurring minerals: chrysotile, actinolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, amosite, and crocidolite. The permissible exposure limits recommended by WHO is 1.0F/cc or below. The identification of asbestos fibers can be performed through morphologic, crystal structural, and compositional analyses. It is widely accepted that asbestos fibers can be associated with asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Despite extensive cancer studies in humans, certain controversies remain about asbestos exposure and cancer. Today, only chrysotile is used as an asbestos material because it is considered to be less potent. The key questions concern whether or not, and to what extent, exposure to chrysotile asbestos, including its natural contaminant tremolite, causes mesothelioma. Many companies ceased production of asbestos-containing insulations, plasters, ceiling tiles, and cement products because of liability issues. However, there is a continued demand for inexpensive and durable construction materials.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geological Engineering, Hacettepe University, Beytepe Campus, Ankara, Turkey

    Meral Dogan PhD

  2. Department of Geological Engineering, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey

    A. Umran Dogan PhD

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  1. Meral Dogan PhD
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Thoracic Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Harper University Hospital, USA

    Harvey I. Pass MD (Chief and Professor of Surgery and Oncology) (Chief and Professor of Surgery and Oncology)

  2. Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA

    Harvey I. Pass MD (Chief and Professor of Surgery and Oncology) (Chief and Professor of Surgery and Oncology)

  3. Nevada Cancer Institute, USA

    Nicholas J. Vogelzang MD (Director and Clinical Professor) (Director and Clinical Professor)

  4. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, 81935, USA

    Nicholas J. Vogelzang MD (Director and Clinical Professor) (Director and Clinical Professor)

  5. Thoracic Oncology, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA

    Michele Carbone MD, PhD (Professor of Pathology, Director) (Professor of Pathology, Director)

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Dogan, M., Dogan, A.U. (2005). Asbestos Mineralogy and Health Effects. In: Pass, H.I., Vogelzang, N.J., Carbone, M. (eds) Malignant Mesothelioma. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-28274-2_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-28274-2_13

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