Role of associated mineral fibres in chrysotile asbestos health effects: the case of balangeroite.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the biodurability of balangeroite, present as contaminant of chrysotile asbestos in the Balangero mine, in order to have indication whether it might have been a confounding factor in the association of the mesothelioma cases reported among mine workers and employees.


METHODS
The modifications taking place following incubation of the fibres in simulated phagolysosomal fluids have been measured on balangeroite, on one pure chrysotile sample (Val Malenco), on one chrysotile from Balangero with some associated balangeroite, and on two tremolite samples.


RESULTS
The incubation modifies both chrysotile and balangeroite with substantial release in the medium of the metal ions which occupy the octahedral site in the mineral structure of the fibre while tremolite is virtually unaffected.


CONCLUSIONS
Considering the profound differences between the structure of balangeroite and amphiboles, previous results and observations on the poor ecopersistence of balangeroite, and the present data, we conclude that balangeroite traces may contribute to the overall toxicity of the airborne fibres in Balangero, but may not be compared to tremolite nor considered the sole responsible for the excess of mesothelioma found in Balangero.
Interdepartmental Centre G. Scansetti for Studies on Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy.
Francesco
F
Turci
Maura
M
Tomatis
Roberto
R
Compagnoni
Bice
B
Fubini
D017636:Asbestos, Amphibole; D017632:Asbestos, Serpentine / Q000633:toxicity*; D002273:Carcinogens; D015986:Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D019016:Mineral Fibers / Q000633:toxicity*; D008906:Mining; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic; D018675:Toxicity Tests / Q000379:methods*
D017636:Asbestos, Amphibole; D017632:Asbestos, Serpentine; D002273:Carcinogens; D019016:Mineral Fibers; C497700:balangeroite; C005846:tremolite