Porous Properties of Nano-fibriform Silica from Natural Chrysotile

With the TEM and physical gas adsorption techniques, porous properties of nano-ribriform silica （MLD： 92.73%） from natural chrysotile are studied in this paper. The results indicate that porous nano-fibriform silica results from brucite octahedral sheets of nature chrysotile dissolved completely and Si-O tetrahedral sheets collapsed by acid leaching. Its length is at a micron or nanometer scale. There are two types of pores： pores among neighboring fibers and pores in nanoriber. These pores （less than 6.5 nm in diameter, mostly 2.1 nm and 3.8 nm） all belong to mesopores. The pores in fibers consist of those among SiO2 particles, those among aggregates, remnant nanotubes and capillary tubes. Nanoribriform silica proves better than the traditional silica as a carrier of catalyzer and a filler for reinforce rubber and plastics.

Cohort Studies on Cancer Mortality Among Workers Exposed Only to Chrysotile Asbestos: a Meta-analysis

Objective To determine whether there was excessive risk of cancer among workers exposed to chrysotile fiber alone by applying a meta-analysis technique. Methods All data meeting the criteria of cohort studies on cancer mortality among workers exposed only to chrysotile were incorporated into meta-analysis. Pooled standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for main cancer sites were calculated using two approaches of unweighted ratio and random effect model. The heterogeneity and its sources of the results were examined with a Q-statistic and Z-score test. The dose-response effect as reflected in the percentage of all deaths due to mesothelioma served as a proxy measure of chrysotile exposure. Results A cohort of twenty six workers exposed to chrysotile alone was summarized. The significantly elevated meta-SMRs for all deaths (1.27), all cancers (1.28), cancers of respiratory organs (2.51), cancers of lung (2.35) and cancers of stomach (1.24) were observed. The significantly elevated meta-SMRs for lung cancer within occupational strata were observed among textile workers (3.55), asbestos product manufacturers (3.30), miners and millers (2.24), cement product workers (1.22), and for stomach cancer among asbestos product manufacturers (1.49). Meta-SMRs for cancers at other sites were not significant. Meta-SMR for lung cancer showed an increasing trend with an elevated percentage of all deaths from mesothelioma, but no such trend for stomach cancer. Conclusion There are excessive risks of lung cancer and mesothelioma among workers exposed to chrysotile fiber alone, and likely no convincing indication of an etiological association between chrysotile exposure and cancers at other sites.

Analysis of Mortality in Chrysotile Asbestos Miners in China

In order to investigate the mortality of a cohort of chrysotile asbestos miners in China and evaluate its association with exposure to chrysotile,a fixed cohort of 1932 workers in chrysotile asbes-tos mine was established in 1981 and followed till June 1,2010.Information on vital status,cause of death and smoking habits was collected.The workers were divided into two groups according to their exposure status.The exposed group was composed of frontline workers who worked directly on mining or processing asbestos products.The control group consisted of those who were not directly exposed to asbestos in their work.Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated according to Chinese national death rates.Cox proportional hazards model was applied to estimate the adjusted relative risks of deaths from major causes in exposed and control groups.The results of this study showed that main causes of mortality were malignant neoplasm,cardiovascular disease,cerebrovascular disease and respiratory disease for chrysotile miners.The mortality rate was 939.20 per 100 000 person-years for workers.The SMR for all causes of death was 1.46 in the cohort.Statistically significant mortality excesses were found for lung cancer (SMR=1.51),pulmonary heart disease (SMR=2.70),respiratory disease (SMR=1.93),asbestosis (SMR=9.62),and accident (SMR=1.59).The mortalities from malignant neo-plasm,lung cancer,cerebrovascular disease and digestive disease in the exposed group were signifi-cantly higher than those in the control group.The findings indicate that chrysotile exposure is a risk factor for lung cancer,respiratory disease,cerebrovascular disease and digestive disease.

Pretreatment of Chrysotile With Rare Earth Compounds Lowered Its Cytotoxicity by Lessening Surface Charges

Pathological effects of asbestos are probably dependent on the special surface properties of the fibers, such as surface charge, surface metal ions. The present study was designed to determine whether the pretreatment of chrysotile asbestos fibers (CAF) with rare earth compounds (REC) solution can reduce their pathogenicity. The results showed that REC-pretreated CAF induced less nitrogen oxide (NO) production by alveolar macrophages (AM). In addition, the pretreatment lowered the capacity of hemolysis and the methylene blue (MB) adsorption of the native CAF. These findings suggested that the pretreatment of CAF with REC solution reduced the in vitro toxicity of CAF by lessening its surface charges. Nevertheless, the pathogenicity and the carcinogenicity of REC-pretreated CAF in vivo remain to be investigated.

Poly (ethylene terephthalate) synthesis with catalysts derived from chrysotile asbestos

The chrysotile asbestos was converted to the forsterite-type compounds by calcination at 740 and 800oC (F7-740 and F7-800), which were used as a catalyst for the polycondensation of bis(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate affording poly (ethylene terephthalate). The obtained forsterite-type compounds did not show any catalytic activity. However, the products obtained by simply treating them with acetic acid significantly promoted the polymerization that produced a THFinsoluble polymer. It was found that the polymer prepared with the acetic acid-treated F7-740 at 160oC for 2 h showed a 93% yield and the number average molecular weight of 6.4 × 103. The observed catalytic activity was higher than that for the acetic acid-treated magnesium oxide, as well as the typical polycondensation catalysts, such as magnesium acetate and antimony oxide.

Minerogenic Model of Chrysotile Deposits in Ultramafic Rocks

Most chrysotile deposits occur in ultramafic rocks of the ophiolite suite. The chrysotile deposits dis-cussed in the present paper were formed through metasomatism and infilling-crystallization in a continentalserpentinization environment after plate convergence, where ultramafic rocks were replaced byhydrothermal solutions consisting mainly of deep-circulating heated water derived from atmospheric precip-itation. The critical state for the formation of asbestos in ultramafic rock bodies might be reached bysuperposition of multiple stages of serpentinization. Favourable fracture systems and relatively stable geo-logical environment are important conditions for forming chrysotile deposits. Three subtypes of chrysotiledeposits could be formed in different tectonic settings and under different minerogenic geochemical condi-tions.

A Study on the Dose-Response Relationship between Asbestos Exposure Level and Asbestosis among Workers in a Chinese Chrysotile Product Factory

The dose-response relationship for asbestos exposure in a chrysotile product factory was studied. The past gravimetric dust concentration values, obtained from different worksites, were converted into fiber concentration values according to conversion factors that were worked out by simultaneous sampling in this study. The conversions were made so that exposure could be expressed in fiber-years (f-yr). Asbestosis was diagnosed on the basis of chest radiographs and occupational histories. Cumulative dust exposure (f-yr) was calculated up to the date of diagnosis for asbestosis patients, and up to September 1982 for the remaining workers. A dose-response relationship expressed as fiber-years exposed vs cumulative prevalence of asbestosis was established by the life table method on the basis of these data. Predicted 3 and 1% prevalence of asbestosis corresponded to 43 and 22 f-yr exposure, respectively. Considering that a worker can work for 35 years, these doses are commensurate with dust concentrations of 1.22 and 0.63 f/ml, respectively. It is recommended that 1 f/ml be taken as the maximum allowable concentration of airborne asbestos dust for the workplace with an anticipated prevalence of about 2% asbestosis after 35 years of exposure. 1990 Academic Press, Inc.

Synthesis of Mesoporous Material from Chrysotile-Derived Silica

Mesoporous MCM-41-type molecular sieves were synthesized using calcined and leached chrysotile and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as the silica source and structure directing agent, respectively. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 isothermal adsorption-desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the samples. The calcined and leached chrysotile can be employed as an inexpensive silica source for the formation of low-order MCM-41 mesoporous materials.

The Expression of Oncoprotein in V79 Cells Which Effect with Chrysotile from China′two Major Origin and Alternative Fibers

Detect the change of the Expression of oncoprotein on the Chinese hamster lung cells (V79 cells) which effect with two main district of China and four alternative chrysotile fiber to investigate the factors of lung cancer. V79 cells were exposed to the suspension of Chrysotile and its substitute with different powder content, the survival rate of cells was monitored by MTT. After 48 h, the location, distribution and expression of Survivin, Cap43, Bcl-2, p16 and p53 in V79 cell were examined by immunohistochemistry and compared. In the six kinds of powder, the inhibition of rockwool on the growth of cells was weakest, the inhibition of Chrysotile from Xinkang Sichuan and Southern Shanxi on the growth of cells was strongest. Chrysotile from Xinkang Sichuan, Chrysotile from Southern Shanxi, glass fiber, ceramic fiber, rockwool and wollastonite had a certain influence on the survival rate of V79 cells. As the concentration of powder increased the survival rate of cells decreased, which showed dose-effect relationship. The expression of Survivin, Cap43 and Bcl-2 was upregulated and the expression of P16 and P53 was downregulated in V79 cells, which was obviously in the powder suspension of Chrysotile from Southern Shanxi and Xinkang Sichuan and glass fiber. The expression was mainly in cytoplasm. The influence of different kind of powder on the cells differed in degree. Chrysotile and its substitute can induce the development of cancer by upregulating the expression of Survivin, Cap43 and Bcl-2 and downregulating the expression of p16 and p53.

Cancer Mortality and Asbestosis Among Workers in an Asbestos Plant in Chongqing, China

Objective To investigate whether asbestosis is a risk factor for mortality of lung cancer. Methods A fixed cohort study was established in an asbestos plant in Chongqing, China, and followed up for 30 years from the beginning of 1972. Basic personal information on life state, cause of death, and diagnosis of asbestosis was collected. Multiple logistic regressions were applied to analyze risk factors. Results During the 30-year follow-up, 584 male workers constituting a total of 14 664 person-years were monitored and data were analyzed. Among them, 203 （34.8%） died and the mortality rate was 13.8 per 1000 person-years, cancer accounting for 37.4%. Excess risks were observed for lung cancer （OR=3.72） and nonmalignant respiratory diseases （OR=2.73） among workers with asbestosis. High-exposure level was another risk factor for lung cancer （OR-3.20）. Workers with category II of asbestosis demonstrated a higher OR of both lung cancer and nonmalignant respiratory diseases than those with category I of asbestosis. Conclusion High asbestos exposure level and asbestosis were the risk factors for death of lung cancer and nonmalignant respiratory diseases. Asbestosis is an independent risk factor for lung cancer among Chinese workers exposed to chrysotile, the risk increases with the increasing profusion of opacities of lung.

Natural Mg silicates with different structures and morphologies: Reaction with K to produce K2MgSiO4 catalyst for biodiesel production

In this work, different magnesium silicate mineral samples based on antigorite, lizardite, chrysotile(which have the same general formula Mg3Si2O5(OH)4), and talc(Mg3Si4O10(OH)2) were reacted with KOH to prepare catalysts for biodiesel production. Simple impregnation with 20 wt% K and treatment at 700–900°C led to a solid-state reaction to mainly form the K2MgSiO4 phase in all samples. These results indicate that the K ion can diffuse into the different Mg silicate structures and textures, likely through intercalation in the interlayer space of the different mineral samples followed by dehydroxylation and K2MgSiO4 formation. All the materials showed catalytic activity for the transesterification of soybean oil(1:6 of oil : methanol molar ratio, 5 wt% of catalyst, 60°C). However, the best results were obtained for the antigorite and chrysotile precursors, which are discussed in terms of mineral structure and the more efficient formation of the active phase K2MgSiO4.

Evaluation of Asbestos Exposure Associated with Research Laboratories

Asbestos containing materials (ACM) have been used for decades in research laboratory products including gloves, tong sleeves, Transite board, and other materials. These materials typically contain chrysotile asbestos with concentrations ranging up to 80%. The objective of this research was to evaluate asbestos exposure from gloves, tong sleeves, and Transite board with simulated laboratory use. An environmental chamber was used to simulate laboratory application of the products. Bulk samples of various products were tested before and after use. Personal breathing zone air samples as well as one cumulative air sample were collected during testing and followed the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 7400/7402 methodologies. Phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for sample analyses. Analysis of air samples using PCM, showed airborne fiber concentrations as high as 0.058 f/cc during use of tongs fitted with asbestos sleeves. Further analysis using TEM showed that the highest airborne fiber concentration was 0.0036 f/cc. Manipulation of Transite board resulted in 8-hour time-weighted-average (TWA) asbestos levels as high as 0.02 f/cc. Testing of various asbestos containing materials used in research laboratories indicate low potential for asbestos fiber exposures.

Power Stripping of Asbestos-Containing Insulation from Electrical Cable

Efforts to recycle copper from electrical conductors have led to the development of specialized machines, which automatically remove insulating covers from wires and cable products. In the past, certain wire and cable products were insulated using chrysotile asbestos. This research was undertaken to determine the asbestos fiber exposure risks associated with power stripping machinery to remove asbestos-containing insulation materials from electrical wire or cable. A Rigby Machinery, Inc., Model 4H electric powered wire/cable insulation stripping machine was acquired along with approximately 42 m of asbestos insulated cable. During two separate, but nearly identical, test sessions, a laborer used the wire stripper to remove the asbestos-containing insulation from the subject cable. This work took place within a closed metal building with a total interior volume of 2500 m3. Industrial hygiene personal and area air samples were collected for airborne fibers throughout all wire stripping periods. Collected air samples were analyzed using phase contract microscopy (PCM) and transmission microscopy (TEM). The results of analysis using PCM for personal samples (n = 3) taken during periods of continuous cable stripping activity showed test period airborne fiber exposures ranging from 0.034 to 0.068 (mean 0.056 f/cc). Follow-up analysis of these personal samples using TEM indicated asbestos adjusted PCM exposures ranging from 0.017 to 0.045 (mean 0.033 f/cc). Area air samples taken at distances ranging from 2 to 9 meters from the wire stripper (n = 16) showed asbestos adjusted PCM concentrations ranging from less than 0.0001 to 0.041 f/cc (mean 0.007 f/cc). The process of power stripping asbestos-containing insulation from electrical wires and cables can cause exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. However, the levels of such exposure are not expected to exceed the current occupational exposure limits for asbestos of 0.1 f/cc as an 8-hr TWA or 1.0 f/cc averaged over a 30-minute exposure period.