Top

Environmental Earth Sciences

Published in:

01-10-2017 | Original Article

Naturally occurring asbestos: potential for human exposure, San Severino Lucano (Basilicata, Southern Italy)

Authors: Andrea Bloise, Manuela Catalano, Teresa Critelli, Carmine Apollaro, Domenico Miriello

Published in: Environmental Earth Sciences | Issue 19/2017

Activate our intelligent search to find suitable subject content or patents.

search-config

AI-assisted search

Off

Abstract

In recent years, environmental exposure to naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) has been shown to be a cause of several types of lung disease, which may occur when NOA outcrops are in proximity to residential areas. In this study, we present the results of our investigation of NOA hosted in outcrops of serpentinites in Basilicata region (Southern Italy), which could be potentially harmful to human health. For this purpose, fifteen serpentinite rock samples collected within and near the village of San Severino Lucano were characterized in detail by optical microscope (OM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), thermal analysis (TG/DSC/DTG/DDSC), scanning and transmission electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive spectrometry, analytical electron microscopy (SEM/EDS and TEM/AEM). Chrysotile and asbestos tremolite or asbestos actinolite were identified in all samples. The NOA in these outcrops could be subject to weathering processes and/or human activities, which generate airborne particles, thus exposing the neighbouring populations to a series of health risks. The size and morphology of NOA are also discussed, regarding the carcinogenic effect that these factors may have on human health. Due to the health risks associated with disturbing NOA-bearing rock, an asbestos exposure control plan must be instituted.

previous article Evaluation of potentially toxic element contents and Pb isotopic compositions in Ankara Stream sediments within an urban catchment in central Turkey

next article Prediction and control of nitrate concentrations in groundwater by implementing a model based on GIS and artificial neural networks (ANN)

Dont have a licence yet? Then find out more about our products and how to get one now:

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

über 102.000 Bücher
über 537 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

Automobil + Motoren
Bauwesen + Immobilien
Business IT + Informatik
Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
Finance + Banking
Management + Führung
Marketing + Vertrieb
Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe
Versicherung + Risiko

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

inform now

Springer Professional "Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

über 67.000 Bücher
über 390 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

Automobil + Motoren
Bauwesen + Immobilien
Business IT + Informatik
Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

inform now

Amodio-Morelli L, Bonardi G, Colonna V, Dietrich D, Giunta G, Ippolito F, Liguori V, Lorenzoni S, Paglianico A, Perrone V, Piccarreta G, Russo M, Scandone P, Zanettin-Lorenzoni E, Zuppetta A (1976) L’arco Calabro-Peloritano nell’orogene appenninico-maghrebide. Mem Soc Geol Ital 17:1–60

Andreani M, Grauby O, Baronnet A, Munoz M (2008) Occurrence, composition and growth of polyhedral serpentine. Eur J Mineral 20:159–171CrossRef

Apollaro C, Dotsika E, Marini L, Barca D, Bloise A, De Rosa R, Doveri M, Lelli M, Muto F (2012) Chemical and isotopic characterization of the thermomineral water of Terme Sibarite springs (Northern Calabria, Italy). Geochem J 46(2):117–129CrossRef

Baronnet A, Mellini M, Devouard B (1994) Sectors of polygonal serpentine. A model based on dislocations. Phys Chem Miner 21:330–343CrossRef

Baumann F, Maurizot P, Mangeas M, Ambrosi JP, Douwes J, Robineau B (2011) Pleural mesothelioma in New Caledonia: associations with environmental risk factors. Environ Health Perspect 119:695–700CrossRef

Baumann F, Ambrosi J-P, Carbone M (2013) Asbestos is not just asbestos: an unrecognised health hazard. Lancet Oncol 14:576–578CrossRef

Baumann F, Buck BJ, Metcalf RV, McLaurin BT, Merkler DJ, Carbone M (2015) The presence of asbestos in the natural environment is likely related to mesothelioma in young individuals and women from Southern Nevada. J Thorac Oncol 10(5):731–737CrossRef

Beneduce P, Di Leo P, Filizzola C, Giano SI, Schiattarella M (2008) Valutazione della pericolosità da rilascio di amianto da materiali naturali: un esempio dal Parco Nazionale del Pollino (Italia meridionale). Mem Descr della Carta Geol d’Italia 78:13–30

Beneduce P, Di Leo P, Giano SI, Schiattarella M (2012) Quantitative geomorphic analysis of asbestos dispersion and pollution from natural sources: the case-history of the Pollino National Park, southern Italy. Geogr Fis Dinam Quat 35(1):3–12

Bernardini P, Schettino B, Sperduto B, Giannadrea F, Burragato F, Castellino N (2003) Tre Casi di mesotelioma pleurico ed inquinamento ambientale da rocce affioranti di tremolite in Lucania. G It Med Lav Erg 25:408–411

Bernstein D, Castranova V, Donaldson K, Fubini B, Hadley J, Hesterberg T, Kane A, Lai D, McConnell EE, Muhle H, Oberdorster G, Olin S, Warheit DB (2005) Testing of fibrous particles: short-term assays and strategies. Inhal Toxicol 17:497–537CrossRef

Bloise A, Fornero E, Belluso E, Barrese E, Rinaudo C (2008) Synthesis and characterization of tremolite asbestos fibres. Eur J Mineral 20:1027–1033CrossRef

Bloise A, Barrese E, Apollaro C, Miriello D (2009a) Flux growth and characterization of Ti- and Ni-doped forsterite single crystals. Cryst Res Technol 44(5):463–468CrossRef

Bloise A, Barrese E, Apollaro C (2009b) Hydrothermal alteration of Ti-doped forsterite to chrysotile and characterization of the resulting chrysotile fibres. N Jb Miner Mh 185(3):297–304CrossRef

Bloise A, Belluso E, Critelli T, Catalano M, Apollaro C, Miriello D, Barrese E (2012a) Amphibole asbestos and other fibrous minerals in the meta-basalt of the Gimigliano-Mount Reventino Unit (Calabria, south-Italy). Rend Online Soc Geol It 21(2):847–848

Bloise A, Belluso E, Catalano M, Barrese E, Miriello D, Apollaro C (2012b) Hydrothermal alteration of glass to chrysotile. J Am Ceram Soc 95(10):3050–3055CrossRef

Bloise A, Critelli T, Catalano M, Apollaro C, Miriello D, Croce A, Barrese E, Liberi F, Piluso E, Rinaudo C, Belluso E (2014) Asbestos and other fibrous minerals contained in the serpentinites of the Gimigliano-Mount Reventino Unit (Calabria, S-Italy). Environ Earth Sci 71:3773–3786CrossRef

Bloise A, Punturo R, Catalano M, Miriello D, Cirrincione R (2016a) Naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) in rock and soil and relation with human activities: the monitoring example of selected sites in Calabria (southern Italy). Ital J Geosci 135(2):268–279CrossRef

Bloise A, Catalano M, Critelli T, Miriello D, Barrese E (2016b) Occurrence and characterization of asbestos minerals in the area of San Severino Lucano (Lucania, Southern Italy). Rend Online Soc Geol It 38:3–5

Bloise A, Catalano M, Barrese E, Gualtieri AF, Gandolfi NB, Capella S, Belluso E (2016c) TG/DSC study of the thermal behaviour of hazardous mineral fibres. J Therm Anal Calorim 123:2225–2239CrossRef

Bloise A, Barca D, Gualtieri AF, Pollastri S, Belluso E (2016d) Trace elements in hazardous mineral fibres. Environ Pollut 216:314–323CrossRef

Bonardi G, Amore FO, Ciampo G, De Capoa P, Miconnét P, Perrone V (1988) Il Complesso Liguride Auct.: Stato delle conoscenze attuali e problemi aperti sulla sua evoluzione Pre-Appenninica ed i suoi rapporti con l’Arco Calabro. Mem Soc Geol Ital 41:17–35

Bourdès V, Boffetta P, Pisani P (2000) Environmental exposure to asbestos and risk of pleural mesothelioma: review and meta-analysis. Eur J Epidemiol 16:411–417CrossRef

Buck BJ, Goossens D, Metcalf RV, McLaurin B, Ren M, Freudenberger F (2013) Naturally occurring asbestos: potential for human exposure, Southern Nevada, USA. Soil Sci Soc Am J 77:2192–2204CrossRef

Burragato F, Mastacchi R, Papacchini L, Rossini F, Sperduto B (2004) Mapping of risks due to particulates of natural origin containing fibrous tremolite: the case of Seluci di Lauria (Basilicata, Italy). Natural Hazard Abstract, poster session NH 11.01 in European Geoscience Union, 1st General Assembly, Nice France 25–30 Apr 2004

Culley MR, Zorland J, Freire K (2010) Community responses to naturally occurring asbestos: implications for public health practice. Health Educ Res 25(5):877–891CrossRef

Dodson RF, Atkinson MA, Levin JL (2003) Asbestos fiber length as related to potential pathogenicity: a critical review. Am J Ind Med 44:291–297CrossRef

Dyken J, Wheeler J (2008) ATSDR’s experience with community exposure to naturally occurring asbestos. J Environ Health 70:74–80

Favero-Longo SE, Turci F, Tomatis M, Compagnoni R, Piervittori R, Fubini B (2009) The effect of weathering on ecopersistence, reactivity and potential toxicity of naturally occurring asbestos and asbestiform minerals. J Toxicol Environ Health A 72:305–314CrossRef

Földvári M (2011) Handbook of thermogravimetric system of minerals and its use in geological practice. In: Fancsik T (ed) Occasional papers of the Geological Institute of Hungary edn, vol 213. Geological Institute of Hungary, Budapest, p 180

Gualtieri AF, Pollastri S, Gandolfi NB, Ronchetti F, Albonico C, Cavallo A, Zanetti G, Marini P, Sala O (2014) Determination of the concentration of asbestos minerals in highly contaminated mine tailings: an example from abandoned mine waste of Crètaz and Èmarese (Valle d’Aosta, Italy). Am Miner 99(7):1233–1247CrossRef

Gunter M (2010) Defining asbestos: differences between the built and natural environments. Chimia 64:747–752CrossRef

Gunter ME, Belluso E, Mottana A (2007) Amphiboles: environmental and health concerns. In: Rosso JJ (ed) “Reviews in mineralogy and geochemistry, vol 67. Mineralogical Society of America Geochemical Society, Chantilly, pp 453–516

Harper M (2008) 10th Anniversary critical review: naturally occurring asbestos. J Environ Monit 10(12):1394–1408CrossRef

Hawthorne FC, Oberti R (2007) Classification of the Amphiboles. In: Rosso JJ (ed) “Reviews in mineralogy and geochemistry, vol 67. Mineralogical Society of America Geochemical Society, Chantilly, pp 55–88

Kumar A, Maiti SK (2015) Assessment of potentially toxic heavy metal contamination in agricultural fields, sediment, and water from an abandoned chromite–asbestos mine waste of Roro hill, Chaibasa, India. Environ Earth Sci 74(3):2617–2633CrossRef

Kusiorowski R, Zaremba T, Piotrowski J, Adamek J (2012) Thermal decomposition of different types of asbestos. J Therm Anal Calorim 109:693–704CrossRef

Leake BE, Woolley AR, Arps CE, Birch WD, Gilbert MC, Grice JD, Hawthorne FC, Kato A, Kisch HJ, Krivovichev VG, Linthout K, Laird J, Mandarino JA, Maresch WV, Nickel EH, Rock NMS, Schumacher JC, Smith DC, Stephenson NCN, Ungaretti L, Whittaker EJW, Youzhi G (1997) Nomenclature of amphiboles: report of the subcommittee on amphiboles of the International Mineralogical Association Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names. Mineral Mag 61(2):295–321CrossRef

Lee R, Strohmeier B, Bunker K, Van Orden D (2008) Naturally occurring asbestos—a recurring public policy challenge. J Hazard Mater 153:1–21CrossRef

Loomis D, Dement J, Richardson D, Wolf S (2010) Asbestos fibre dimensions and lung cancer mortality among workers exposed to chrysotile. Occup Environ Med 67(9):580–584CrossRef

Monaco C, Tortorici L (1994) Evoluzione geologico-strutturale dell’Appennino Calabro-Lucano. In: Ghisetti F, Monaco C, Tortorici L, Vezzani L (eds) Strutture ed evoluzione del settore del Pollino (Appennino Calabro-Lucano). Università degli Studi di Catania, Istituto di Geologia e Geofisica, Guida all’escursione, pp 9–50

Monaco C, Tansi C, Tortorici L, De Franceso AM, Morten L (1991) Analisi geologico-strutturale dell’Unità del Frido al confine calabro-lucano (Appennino Meridionale). Mem Soc Geol Ital 47:341–353

Niklinski J, Niklinskab W, Chyczewskac E, Laudanskia J, Naumnikc W, Chyczewskid L, Pluygerse E (2004) The epidemiology of asbestos-related diseases. Lung Cancer 45S:S7–S15CrossRef

NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (2011) Asbestos fibers and other elongate mineral particles: state of the science and roadmap for research. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, p 337

Oury TD, Roggli VL, Sporn TA (2014) Pathology of asbestos-associated diseases, 3rd edn. Springer, Berlin, p 357CrossRef

Oze C, Solt KL (2010) Biodurability of chrysotile and tremolite asbestos in simulated lung and gastric fluids. Am Mineral 95:825–831CrossRef

Pan XL, Day HW, Wang W, Beckett LA, Schenker MB (2005) Residential proximity to naturally occurring asbestos and mesothelioma risk in California. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 172:1019–1025CrossRef

Pasetto R, Bruni B, Bruno C, Cauzillo G, Cavone D, Convertini L, De Mei B, Marconi A, Montagano G, Musti M, Paoletti L, Comba P (2004) Mesotelioma pleurico ed esposizione ambientale a fibre minerali: il caso di un’area rurale in Basilicata. Ann Ist Super Sanità 40(2):251–265

Pugnaloni A, Giantomassi F, Lucarini G, Capella S, Mattioli Belmonte M, Orciani M, Belluso E (2010) Effects of asbestiform antigorite on human alveolar epithelial A549 cells: a morphological and immunohistochemical study. Acta Histochem 112:133–146CrossRef

Pugnaloni A, Giantomassi F, Lucarini G, Capella S, Bloise A, Di Primio R, Belluso E (2013) Cytotoxicity induced by exposure to natural and synthetic tremolite asbestos: an in vitro pilot study. Acta Histochem 115(2):100–112CrossRef

Punturo R, Bloise A, Critelli T, Catalano M, Fazio E, Apollaro C (2015) Environmental implications related to natural asbestos occurrences in the ophiolites of the Gimigliano-Mount Reventino Unit (Calabria, Southern Italy). Int J Environ Res 9(2):405–418

Rohl AN, Langer AM, Selikoff IJ (1977) Environmental asbestos pollution related to use of quarried serpentine rock. Science 196(4296):1319–1322CrossRef

Sansone MTC, Rizzo G, Mongelli G (2011) Petrochemical characterization of mafic rocks from the Ligurian ophiolites, southern Apennines. Int Geol Rev 53(1):130–156CrossRef

Sansone MTC, Prosser G, Rizzo G, Tartarotti P (2012) Spinel—peridotites of the Frido Unit ophiolites (Southern Apennines—Italy): evidence for oceanic evolution. Period Mineral 81:35–59

Schreier H (1989) Asbestos in the natural environment. Stud Environ Sci 37:158

Skinner HCW, Ross M, Frondel C (1988) Asbestos and other fibrous materials: mineralogy, crystal chemistry and health effects. Oxford University Press, New York

Stanton MF, Layard M, Tegeris A, Miller E, May M, Morgan E, Smith A (1981) Relation of particle dimension to carcinogenicity in amphibole asbestoses and other fibrous mineral. J Natl Cancer Inst 67:965–975

Suzuki Y, Yuen SR, Ashley R (2005) Short, thin asbestos fibres contribute to the development of human malignant mesothelioma: pathological evidence. Int J Hyg Environ Health 208:201–210CrossRef

Turci F, Tomatis M, Compagnoni R, Fubini B (2009) Role of associated mineral fibre in chrysotile asbestos health effects: the case of balangeroite. Ann Occup Hyg 53:491–497

Van Gosen BS (2007) The geology of asbestos in the United States and its practical applications. Environ Eng Geosci 13(1):55–68CrossRef

Vezzani L (1966) La sezione tortoniana di Perosa sul fiume Sinni presso Episcopia (Potenza). Geol Rom 5:263–290

Vezzani L (1969) La Formazione del Frido (Neocomiano-Aptiano) tra il Pollino ed il Sinni. Geol Rom 8:129–176

Vignaroli G, Ballirano P, Belardi G, Rossetti F (2014) Asbestos fibre identification vs. evaluation of asbestos hazard in ophiolitic rock mélanges, a case study from the Ligurian Alps (Italy). Environ. Earth Sci 72(9):3679–3698CrossRef

Viti C (2010) Serpentine minerals discrimination by thermal analysis. Am Mineral 95:631–638CrossRef

Viti C, Giacobbe C, Gualtieri AF (2011) Quantitative determination of chrysotile in massive serpentinites using DTA: implications for asbestos determinations. Am Mineral 96:1003–1011CrossRef

Wagner J (2015) Analysis of serpentine polymorphs in investigations of natural occurrences of asbestos. Environ Sci Process Impacts 17(5):985–996CrossRef

Wagner JC, Sleggs CA, Marchand P (1960) Diffuse pleural mesothelioma and asbestos exposure in the North Western Cape Province. Br J Ind Med 17:260–271

World Health Organization (1986) Asbestos and other natural mineral fibres. Environmental health criteria, no. 53. World Health Organization, Geneva

Title: Naturally occurring asbestos: potential for human exposure, San Severino Lucano (Basilicata, Southern Italy)
Authors: Andrea Bloise
Manuela Catalano
Teresa Critelli
Carmine Apollaro
Domenico Miriello
Publication date: 01-10-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Environmental Earth Sciences / Issue 19/2017
Print ISSN: 1866-6280
Electronic ISSN: 1866-6299
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-017-6995-9

Springer Professional

Abstract

Please log in to get access to your license.

Dont have a licence yet? Then find out more about our products and how to get one now:

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik"

Springer Professional "Technik"

Other articles of this Issue 19/2017

Stabilization of Fe/Cu nanoparticles by starch and efficiency of arsenic adsorption from aqueous solutions

Spatial distribution of soil organic carbon and its influencing factors at different soil depths in a semiarid region of China

Occurrence types and genesis models of hot dry rock resources in China

Geothermometry and circulation depth of groundwater in Semnan thermal springs, Northern Iran

Factors affecting arsenic content of unconsolidated sediments and its mobilization in the Ishikari Plain, Hokkaido, Japan

Spectrum of climate change and streamflow alteration at a watershed scale