title: Categorization and nomenclature of vitreous silicate wools.
abstract: There is substantial interest among government agencies in categorizing fibers for hazard classification purposes, particularly the commercially important synthetic vitreous fibers (e.g., rock wool, slag wool, glass wool, and refractory ceramic fibers). The intent of this categorization is to partition the population of fibers into distinct categories, which are mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive, easy to understand and implement, and homogeneous with respect to potential biological activity. This paper identifies criteria for categorization, summarizes historical systems for categorization (e.g., by origin, chemistry and structure, physical form and morphology, and application), analyzes the current categorization schemes used by the European Community (EC) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and proposes an improved partitioning method based upon biopersistence/durability. The proposed basis for categorization incorporates the best features of the EC and IARC methods, eliminates some of their inconsistencies, exploits available knowledge of fiber toxicology (much of which was developed in recent years), and is practical to implement.
authors.affiliation: Ceramics Division, The Morgan Crucible Company, plc, Stourport-on-Severn, DY13 8QR, England, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Martin A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Boymel
authors.forename: L Daniel
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Maxim
authors.forename: Jay
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Turim
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification* / Q000633:toxicity; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000145:classification* / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D019016:Mineral Fibers / Q000145:classification; D010316:Particle Size; D017640:Silicates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification* / Q000633:toxicity
chemical_list: D002273:Carcinogens; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D019016:Mineral Fibers; D017640:Silicates