High tremolite asbestos content in urine related to dispersion from NOA rocks: a case study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Belluso ◽  
Silvana Capella
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Exposure ◽  
Urine Analysis ◽  
Western Alps ◽  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Professional Exposure ◽  
Need To Evaluate ◽  
Asbestiform Minerals ◽  
Nw Italy

<p>The naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) and naturally occurring of asbestiform minerals non asbestos classified (NONA) in North Western Italian Alps is known since many years and described in a few papers (e.g., Belluso et al., 1995; ARPA Piemonte, 2008). Whereas the noxiousness due to professional exposure to asbestos is well known, there are few information dealing with natural environmental exposure as that occurring to general population living closeness to NOA (and NONA) in outcropped rocks.</p><p>The investigation of inorganic fibres content in urine may understand if people respired them in the latest period (from several days to some months: e.g., ATSDR, 2001).</p><p>In this study we present a case of a very high and abnormal content of tremolite asbestos detected in urine of a young girl during a survey of several toxic contaminants respired from young students in a Turin province school (NW Italy).</p><p>The absence of asbestos revealed by further investigation carried out in urine sample of girl’s parents and in other samples from the girl, showed that the high asbestos content previously detected was due to an exposure occurrence limited in time and related only to the girl.</p><p>The investigation carried out on the lifestyle of the girl in the year preceding the urine analysis allowed to suppose that the detected high content of tremolite asbestos might be due to a specific environmental exposure. Indeed, the girl spent a holiday period away from her habitual home, where there were excavation works in NOA rocks spotty containing important amount of tremolite asbestos. Therefore, the asbestos detected in the urine is probably connected to those dispersed from NOA rocks.</p><p>This finding focuses on the need to evaluate the risk of asbestos air dispersion from NOA rocks before carrying out excavation works.</p><p> </p><p>ARPA PIEMONTE (2008) Amianto naturale in Piemonte. Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione Ambientale del Piemonte, ARPA Piemonte, Ed. L’Artistica Savigliano (CN), I</p><p>ATSDR, Agency for Toxic substances and Disease Registry (2001). U.S., Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. Atlanta, GA, USA</p><p>BELLUSO E, COMPAGNONI R, FERRARIS G. (1995) Occurrence of asbestiform minerals in the serpentinites of the Piemonte Zone, Western Alps. In: Giornata di studio in ricordo del Prof. Stefano Zucchetti, Politecnico di Torino, 57-64. Ed. Politecnico di Torino, I</p>

scholarly journals Naturally Occurring Asbestiform Minerals in Italian Western Alps and in Other Italian Sites

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-46
Author(s):  
Elena Belluso ◽  
Alain Baronnet ◽  
Silvana Capella
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Field Survey ◽  
Western Alps ◽  
Natural Occurrence ◽  
High Magnification ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
The World ◽  
Asbestiform Minerals

ABSTRACT The natural occurrence of asbestos (NOA) in rocks and soil has been known for many years in several areas of the world, differently from the natural presence of asbestiform minerals. In Italy, the mapping of NOA is mandatory according to the 2001 and 2003 regulations. An investigation, not yet concluded, has revealed that in Italy, NOA is represented by chrysotile and tremolite asbestos with minor amounts of actinolite asbestos and anthophyllite asbestos. A field survey conducted in the Italian Western Alps (IWA), dealing with the natural occurrence of asbestiform minerals non-asbestos classified and not regulated, started many years ago and is still ongoing. It revealed that the following kinds of asbestiform silicates are present (in decreasing order of frequency): asbestiform polygonal serpentine and asbestiform antigorite, asbestiform diopside, asbestiform carlosturanite, asbestiform forsterite, asbestiform sepiolite, asbestiform balangeroite, and asbestiform talc. The asbestiform non-silicates brugnatellite and brucite have been rarely detected. Outside the IWA, asbestiform zeolite (erionite and offretite), asbestiform sodium amphibole (fluoro-edenite), and a few other asbestiform silicates have been also detected. For some asbestiform minerals, the identification is problematic and needs the use of transmission electron microscopy combining imaging at high magnification and electron diffraction and chemical data. This investigation is particularly important to distinguish four kinds of asbestiform minerals (antigorite, polygonal serpentine, carlosturanite, and balangeroite) from chrysotile since only the last one is regulated. The issue is much more complicated by the intergrowth of different fibrous species on the submicrometer scale.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of hair lead concentration as biological indicator of environmental and professional exposure s

2020 ◽  
pp. 11-14
Keyword(s):  
Lead Poisoning ◽  
Lead Exposure ◽  
Urine Analysis ◽  
Lead Concentration ◽  
Graphite Furnace ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Professional Exposure ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
Exposed Workers

Introduction: Biological monitoring is highly recommended to assess occupational and environmental exposures to toxic chemicals. In this context, blood and urine are conventional matrices for lead poisoning biotoxicological assessment. Blood and urine analysis are more contributive for recent lead exposure. Chronic lead exposure may have different characteristics. long-term exposure could be responsible of insidious poisoning which cannot always be assessed by these usual matrices. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that human hair can be used as an alternative matrix to detect chronic toxic exposure among occupationally and non-occupationally leadexposed subjects. Material and Method: This case-control study analyzed blood, urine and hair sampled from 40 exposed workers versus a control group of 30. Particulate matters of lead are collected from different workplace ambient air. Analysis is realized using the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Correlations are studied between the different matrices in both groups and between seniority and lead concentrations in biological samples. Results This study concerned 70 male subjects: forty battery manufacturing factory workers and thirty controls (non-exposed to lead in their workplaces). The results showed a significant correlation between lead levels in the three matrices and the intensity of exposure among both groups (Pb hair-blood P=0.017;Pb hair-urine<0.000). Hair lead concentrations study among cases in function of occupational seniority confirmed the stability of this matrix (Pb>3000 µg/g of hair at 20 years). The study of hair lead concentration according to workplace showed a significantly higher exposure for the station of assemblers. Conclusion Hair is an efficient biological sample to assess lead poisoning especially for chronic exposure. Hair is easy to collect, to handle and gives reproducible results that may be useful in monitoring of exposed workers. Key words Lead poisoning, monitoring, exposure, hair samples.

scholarly journals Geological Map of a Treasure Chest of Geodiversity: The Lavagnina Lakes Area (Alessandria, Italy)

Geosciences ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Scarsi ◽  
Laura Crispini ◽  
Cristina Malatesta ◽  
Chiara Spagnolo ◽  
Giovanni Capponi
Keyword(s):  
Gold Mineralization ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Oceanic Lithosphere ◽  
Western Alps ◽  
Geological Mapping ◽  
Natural Park ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Geological Map ◽  
Nw Italy ◽  
Treasure Chest

The aim of this work is to present a new georeferenced geological map of an area in the Ligurian Western Alps (Lavagnina Lakes area) that includes both a unique geodiversity and great biodiversity, a peculiar geological heritage, and cultural features. The study area is located in the northern part of the Capanne di Marcarolo Regional Natural Park, occurring in the southern Piedmont Region (Alessandria, NW Italy) and close to the suburbs of Genoa. This area has been studied by multi-disciplinary scientific researchers who, so far, have focused their attention on the occurrence of alkaline springs and investigation of different endemic floral species. Moreover, in the past, the Lavagnina Lakes area has been exploited due to the presence of gold mineralization, and several mining records are still visible. We performed detailed geological mapping at a 1:10,000 scale, and collected data that were later integrated into a digital GIS map. The database associated with the map contains information that may be interesting from different points of view: (i) scientific research; (ii) outreach and dissemination activities; and (iii) geotourism (i.e., trail networks and panoramic viewpoints). The area represents a section of the Jurassic Piedmont Ligurian oceanic lithosphere, showing several geologic processes on different scales, such as the serpentinization process and intense and widespread carbonation of ultramafic rocks; the area is, moreover, characterized by fault systems showing paleoseismic structures. Beyond scientific research activities (i.e., geology, geoarchaeology, and mining archaeology), the area can also be promoted for geotourism, outreach and dissemination activities, field trips for schools, and gold panning activities. Hence, our new digital map and our 3D model could be a useful tool to illustrate the main characteristics of the area, leading a non-expert public to explore different geological features in a relatively “small” area. In this way, our map could help to improve geotourism, be used as a tool for educational activities, and, finally, could also help the Capanne di Marcarolo Regional Natural Park to be recognized as a geopark.

scholarly journals The Search for Environmental Justice: The Story of North Birmingham

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 2117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shauntice Allen ◽  
Michelle V. Fanucchi ◽  
Lisa C. McCormick ◽  
Kristina M. Zierold
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Environmental Justice ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Jefferson County ◽  
Environmental Injustice ◽  
Department Of Health

Environmental justice is a rising social movement throughout the world. Research is beginning to define the movement and address the disparities that exist among communities exposed to pollution. North Birmingham, a community made up of six neighborhoods in Jefferson County, Alabama, in the United States, is a story of environmental injustice. Heavy industry, including the 35th Avenue Superfund Site, has caused significant environmental pollution over time, leaving residents concerned that their health and well-being are at risk from continued exposure. For years, pollution has impacted the community, and residents have fought and challenged industry and government. The United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) in Alabama have historically played a role in working with the community regarding their health concerns. In this manuscript, we describe a city entrenched in environmental injustice. We provide the history of the community, the responsible parties named for the contamination, the government’s involvement, and the community’s response to this injustice. Through this manuscript, we offer insight into a global concern that challenges local communities on a daily basis.

New geomorphological and chronological constraints for glacial deposits in the Rivoli-Avigliana end-moraine system and the lower Susa Valley (Western Alps, NW Italy)

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 550-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Ivy-Ochs ◽  
Stefania Lucchesi ◽  
Paolo Baggio ◽  
Gianfranco Fioraso ◽  
Franco Gianotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Alps ◽  
Glacial Deposits ◽  
Nw Italy

POTENTIAL TOXICITY OF NONREGULATED ASBESTIFORM MINERALS: BALANGEROITE FROM THE WESTERN ALPS. PART 3: DEPLETION OF ANTIOXIDANT DEFENSES

2005 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Gazzano ◽  
Chiara Riganti ◽  
Maura Tomatis ◽  
Francesco Turci ◽  
Amalia Bosia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Alps ◽  
Antioxidant Defenses ◽  
Potential Toxicity ◽  
Asbestiform Minerals

EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE TO Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni AND Zn PRESENT IN URBAN DUSTS

2017 ◽  
Vol 167 (47) ◽  
pp. 88-100
Author(s):  
Marzena Trojanowska ◽  
Ryszard Świetlik
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Exposure ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Skin Penetration ◽  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Skin Contact ◽  
Nickel Copper ◽  
Urban Dusts ◽  
Lead Nickel

The paper assesses the environmental exposure of urban dwellers to heavy metals present in urban dusts. The research was focused on lifelong exposure of an adult and a child to chromium, lead, nickel, copper and zinc. The assessment of health hazard included exposure by digestion, inhalation and skin contact. The hazard estimation was carried out using a method recommended by the American Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The determined hazard index values characterizing a health risk have shown that the highest hazard results from accidental unintentional intake of toxic substances. Skin penetration by metals is much less hazardous, whereas inhalation is least hazardous. According to the accepted scenario of human exposure, children are most at risk compared to other populations considered. The hazard index values obtained for them were the highest.

Metals and secondary metabolites in saxicolous lichen communities on ultramafic and non-ultramafic rocks of the Western Italian Alps

2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio E. Favero-Longo ◽  
Enrica Matteucci ◽  
Mariagrazia Morando ◽  
Franco Rolfo ◽  
Tanner B. Harris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Intraspecific Variability ◽  
Western Alps ◽  
Metabolic Adaptation ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Ph Homeostasis ◽  
Weathering Processes ◽  
Nw Italy ◽  
Ultramafic Substrates ◽  
Crustose Lichens

There is a long history of studies on lichens found in ultramafic habitats, but comparisons between lichen communities on different ultramafic lithologies are scant, and potential metabolic adaptations to the multiple edaphic stresses of ultramafic substrates have been widely neglected. The present work is the first to characterise differences in the abundance and structure of saxicolous lichen communities on different ultramafic lithologies (dunite, lherzolite, and serpentinite), analysed in two areas of the Western Alps (NW Italy). Differences between communities on various ultramafic lithologies were observed, including differences between a mafic control (Mg-Al metagabbro); however, factors other than the substrate were observed to drive more remarkable differences between lichen communities on ultramafics of alpine and pre-alpine areas. XRF analyses demonstrated that the mineral composition of different lithologies is reflected by metal contents in crustose lichens, with weathering processes accounting for relative shifts in elemental abundances between rocks and thalli. A thin layer cromatography screening of lichen secondary metabolites (LSMs), which are thought to regulate metal and pH homeostasis in thalli, revealed lithological vicariance among dominant lichen species with different LSM patterns and intraspecific variability in LSM production associated with differences in lithology and location. In particular, the presence or absence of norstictic acid in species or lineages/individuals on the different lithologies, in relationship to concentrations of Fe, Mg, and Ni in lichen thalli, was recognised as a metabolic adaptation to metal stress. Pull-up tests revealed that physical factors such as a differential surface disaggregation may contribute more towards differences observed in lichen abundance on the different lithologies investigated.

The Effect of Weathering on Ecopersistence, Reactivity, and Potential Toxicity of Naturally Occurring Asbestos and Asbestiform Minerals

2009 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 305-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Enrico Favero-Longo ◽  
Francesco Turci ◽  
Maura Tomatis ◽  
Roberto Compagnoni ◽  
Rosanna Piervittori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Potential Toxicity ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Naturally Occurring Asbestos ◽  
Asbestiform Minerals
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document