Airborne concentrations of chrysotile asbestos in serpentine quarries and stone processing facilities in Valmalenco, Italy

摘要: Asbestos may be naturally present in rocks and soils. In some cases, there is the possibility of releasing asbestos fibres into atmosphere from rock or soil, subsequently exposing workers general population, which can lead to an increased risk developing asbestos-related diseases. study, air contaminated with released serpentinites was investigated occupational settings (quarries processing factories) environment close working facilities at urban sites. The only occurrence found Valmalenco area chrysotile; amphibole were never detected. An experimental cut-off diameter 0.25 μm established for distinguishing between chrysotile antigorite single using selected electron diffraction analyses. Air contamination examined site-dependent as degree highly variable place place. Block cutting massive multiple blades discs drilling quarry sites that had highest levels generated exposures (i.e. over exposure limits) asbestos. Conversely, activities on foliated produced airborne concentrations comparable ambient levels. Environmental always below Italian limit life environments (0.002 f ml(-1)), except one sample collected a property boundary. assessment study should encourage development effective concordant policy proper use asbestos-bearing soils well protection public health.