Primary smelting associated with processing of ore can generate substantial quantities of dust containing metallic particles. Secondary smelting of lead batteries at recycling facilities employs many of the same processing steps as primary smelters, and also generates significant metallic dust. The objectives of this study were to document the morphology, mineralogy, and chemistry of smelter emissions as represented by dust particles emitted from a former lead battery recycling facility in East Los Angeles, CA, during operation, closure, and dismantling of the site. Together with Pb isotopic compositions of the particulate matter (Ayuso et al., this abstract volume), we seek to evaluate contributions of smelter-derived particulate matter to soils in residential neighborhoods surrounding the facility.

Air filter (HEPA) media were collected from monitors installed around the periphery of the recycling facility. Filter paper samples (~1x2cm) were mounted on stubs and studied by back-scatter-electron-field emission-scanning electron microscopy (20 kV, WD=10mm) and qualitative energy dispersive spectroscopy at µm to nm scales. Particulate matter trapped in-situ in the air filter media show a wide range in size, shape, and composition. The particles include (A) distinctive, metallic (Cu, Fe, Pb, Si) micro-to-nanospheres (<10 µm to 100 nm), (B) subspherical to irregular shapes (rods) of Pb and Pb admixed with silica and other metals, (C) irregular flakes and angular clumps of Fe and other base metals, aluminosilicate mineral dust (~5 to >50 µm-wide), and (D) pollen grains (~10-50 µm).

Four main categories of metallic spheres were identified based on dominant composition and size range: Si (<12 µm), Fe (<5 µm), Cu (<3 µm to 100 nm), and Pb (<500 nm). Small subspherical to irregular grains and rods of Pb and Sn were also identified in the filter media. Aluminosilicate mineral debris and fine scrap (Fe-based) occur both as irregular flakes and fragments (>50 to ~20 µm wide) and as finely comminuted dust. Metallic spheres as described here are rarely found as natural products of surficial processes. However, the spheres and observed particle size ranges are well-documented features of the fine fractions of metallic dust emitted from primary smelter operations. Coarser fractions of smelter dust (>10 µm) can have other shapes (cubes, rods, needles, subrounded) depending on the interplay of metals and anions in dynamic flow paths of baghouses and smelter stacks. Thus, the spherical shapes, size distributions, and chemistry of the particles trapped in the air filters are consistent with particle emissions originating from a smelter.

Lead isotopic compositions of leachates of the filter media generally are isotopically similar to that of Pb-contaminated soils near the smelter (as analyzed by TIMS and HR-ICPMS). The Pb isotopic compositions trace the path of Pb-bearing dust emanating from the smelter plant to the air filters, which we interpret were likely also distributed by atmospheric deposition to surrounding residential neighborhoods. Mineralogical, elemental, and isotopic data for air filter media can be used in combination with air quality data to identify possible pathways of Pb contamination from primary and secondary smelter operations.

How to cite: Foley, N., Ayuso, R., and Indela, R.: Morphology and Chemistry of Lead Particulate Matter in Air-Filters from a Lead-acid Battery Smelter: Mapping the Transfer to Residential Soils, East Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-10720, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-10720, 2025.

Pb (lead) isotopic compositions of particulates from air filters monitoring air quality near a recently closed battery recycling smelter combined with soil profiles collected from nearby residential and urban sites were determined to examine possible sources of Pb contamination in the soils. Abnormally high metal contents found in the residential soils are known to have negatively affected human health in these local environmentally burdened communities. Adjacent to the smelter Pb contents of soils are up to 4000 ppm and in residential sites surrounding the smelter the soils have Pb up to 2190 ppm. Because the Pb contents in many residential soils are significantly higher than allowed by government agencies, they require remediation procedures. Determining an exact linkage between emanations from smelter operations and residential soils can be contentious due to multiple potential Pb sources (e.g., smelters, fossil fuels, paint). We now report for the first-time preliminary air filter Pb isotopic compositions from the Exide smelter measured by TIMS (Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry) and HR-ICPMS (High Resolution Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry). Descriptions of the morphology, mineralogy, and chemistry of the Pb particulate matter in the air filters has also been reported (Foley et al., this abstract volume). The air filter Pb isotopic compositions (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb~1.1640-1.2078, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁷Pb~2.4585-2.4718) yield a spread from radiogenic values typical of rock-derived Pb (natural) to lower Pb isotopic values that likely indicate sourcing from anthropogenic Pb, and other metals generated by smelting processes. The overall isotopic range shown by the air filter data closely parallels that of the soils. The soils include a group adjacent to the Exide smelter that has the lowest Pb isotopic values and that overlaps with the isotopic compositions of nearby residential sites (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ~1.1671–1.1755, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ~ 2.4319–2.4375). Air filters with the lowest isotopic values overlap this group. Another group of soils collected farther away from the smelter has more radiogenic values (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb >~1.190, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁷Pb >~2.443) that more closely resemble rock (natural) Pb. Residential soils containing Pb that is isotopically indistinguishable from soils near the Exide smelter are interpreted as contaminated by human activities. Because air filters 1) represent emanations coming from the smelter, and 2) comprise Pb that isotopically overlaps with that of residential soils adjacent to the smelter, we conclude that a strong link exists between the smelter emanations and residential soils. Despite this conclusion, much remains unknown, including the temporal evolution of Pb isotopic compositions during nearly 100 years of smelter operation, the duration that the smelter has been a regional metal contaminating source, and whether the site contains unknown external contributions of Pb with distinct isotopic compositions. It is advantageous to establish baseline concentrations of metals such as Pb, As, Cd, Zn, Sb, and Cu, and Pb isotopic compositions of soils, waters, and air-borne particulate matter before industrial facilities such as smelters are put in operation and during property transitions. Such baseline and background information can help identify potential contaminant pathways and assist both industry and governmental agencies in monitoring smelter operations.

How to cite: Ayuso, R., Foley, N., and Indela, R.: Pb Isotopic Compositions of Air Filters and Soils Adjacent to a Recycling Battery Smelter, East Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-12340, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-12340, 2025.

The potential toxicity of lunar dust (LD), as reported by Apollo astronauts, presents significant concerns for future missions involving extended human presence on the Moon. LD toxicity is hypothesized to be driven by oxidative stress linked to its redox-active properties, with nanophase metallic iron (np-Fe⁰) embedded in its glassy matrix potentially playing a critical role. However, the specific mechanisms underlying its toxicity remain unclear. Environmental changes in atmospheric settings may modify LD's reactivity before exposure, complicating the evaluation of its potential toxicity.

Given the limited availability of real LD samples, the research relys on lunar dust simulants (LDS) for toxicity studies. Yet, the absence of a fully representative LDS limits the accuracy of risk evaluations. This study introduces a novel Simulant Moon Agglutinate (SMA) designed to mimic LD. The SMA consists of a glassy matrix containing np-Fe⁰ and was crushed in an inert atmosphere to replicate the lunar environment. Respirable SMA particles were analyzed for their physicochemical characteristics, oxidative activity, and iron release in simulated body fluids.

Under non-oxidizing conditions, SMA generated a higher level of free radicals, driven by reduced-state iron, and sustained by an electron “reservoir” from zerovalent iron clusters. A molecular mechanism is proposed. After oxidative passivation, SMA exhibited a lower reactivity, which was nonetheless still greater than the reactivity of other simulants, such as JSC-1A-vf. Our findings emphasize the critical role of np-Fe⁰ in oxidative reactions of lunar dust. Notably, SMA did not induce cell membrane damage, suggesting that the mechanisms of LD toxicity may differ significantly from those of terrestrial toxic dusts, such as quartz.

How to cite: Bianco, P., Pavan, C., Tammaro, O., Marocco, A., Petriglieri, J. R., Tomatis, M., Pansini, M., Esposito, S., and Turci, F.: Toxic Potential of Lunar Dust: The Determinant Role of Atmospheric Exposure, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-13023, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-13023, 2025.

Mine dust control is the key to the safe, green and healthy development of the mining industry. In the process of mine production, it is often accompanied by a large amount of dust, which is not only easy to lead to dust explosion accidents, causing major casualties and affecting the safety production of enterprises, but also induce pneumoconiosis and seriously affect the physical and mental health of employees. Wetting dust reduction technologies are common measures in the mine production process. But due to the hydrophobicity of dust, the ability of pure water to wet the dust is limited. Adding dust suppressant to the water can improve the affinity of the solution. The commonly used dust suppressants are generally chemical suppressants, which have issues such as low surface activity and poor green environmental protection. Therefore, a new idea of using microbial fermentation technology was proposed to prepare biological dust suppressant (BDS). This paper utilizes theoretical knowledge from disciplines such as mine dust science, microbial fermentation, structural biology and interface physical chemistry. It combines theoretical analysis, experimental testing, physical simulation and field test to conduct research on the method and performance of biological dust suppressant synthesized by microbial fermentation. The main research findings and conclusions obtained are as follows:

The strains for synthesizing BDS were screened and the growth and metabolism of the strains were investigated. When sucrose is used as the carbon source and soybean meal as the nitrogen source, the growth duration of the engineered strain can be set to 9 hours. The concentration of the engineered strain can reach a high level, with the growth rate doubling compared to the pre-screening strain. The synthesis method of BDS was studied and the molecular structure characteristics of the product were preliminarily revealed. The optimal conditions for BDS production were found to be a temperature of 37.56°C, pH of 7.99, agitation speed of 220 rpm, inoculum size of 2.17% and liquid volume of 59.89 ml. It was also determined that BDS is a non-crystalline substance containing long-chain and cyclic heptapeptide ester structures. The interfacial activity, wettability and interfacial rheological properties of BDS were characterized. The results indicate that the critical micelle concentration of the biological dust suppressant is 30 mg/L and the surface tension of water is 27 mN/m. BDS can maintain stable interfacial activity in different solution environments (temperature below 70°C, pH ranging from 5 to 9, salt concentration below 15%). Additionally, BDS exhibits higher viscoelastic modulus than AEO, indicating better rheological performance. The drainage law of dust suppression foam and the foaming performance of BDS by microbial fermentation were characterized. When the concentration of BDS is 0.15‰ and the polymer concentration is 0.3‰, the foaming ability, foam half-life and liquid half-life reach their optimum.

This research lays the theoretical foundation for the development of high-performance, environmentally friendly and non-toxic mining dust suppression materials using microbial fermentation technology. It plays a proactive role in promoting the application of green and efficient dust control technologies in mining dust control.

How to cite: Zhang, Q. and Wang, H.: Study on Methods for Synthesizing Biological Dust Suppressant by Microbial Fermentation and Performance Characterization, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-8098, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-8098, 2025.

Air quality is a main determinant of human and animal respiratory health. Among animal species, racehorses are particularly sensitive to the effects of increased respirable dust levels¹.

In equine medicine, lower airway inflammatory conditions are commonly encountered and are a significant cause of poor performance and a major concern for animal welfare².

Respiratory diseases in horses is commonly associated with exposure to organic dust derived from bedding and feed materials³. However, the potential contribution of inorganic mineral dust, such as respirable crystalline silica (RCS), to equine lung inflammation is currently unexplored.

RCS is a pro-inflammatory agent in many mammalian species, inducing macrophage activation via the inflammasome pathway, and has been implicated in the development of chronic respiratory diseases in humans, including pulmonary disease, silicosis, and lung cancer⁴.

In this study, we challenge the hypothesis that inorganic dust generated from equine working soils may adversely affect respiratory health in horses. Investigating the respiratory exposure pattern (mineral exposome) is crucial for understanding the environmental impact of inorganic dust on equine respiratory health.

To this aim, we assessed the quantitative composition of racetrack soils and assessed the potential toxicity associated with the respirable inorganic fractions of training and racing track soils.

A prospective proof-of-concept study on a limited number (n=7) of representative samples from working soils of six different racetracks was carried out.

Particle size distributions (PSD) and the quantitative composition were determined by X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS).

To evaluate the potential toxicity of the samples, in chemico approaches were employed, including a membranolytic activity assay and a cell-free radical generation assay to assess dust surface .

The particle size distribution of the soil samples revealed that over 90% of the fine fraction (<20 µm) had an equivalent circular diameter (ECD) of less than 5 µm, consistent with the size range of respirable dust.

The predominant mineral phases identified in all soil samples were silica (mainly quartz), silicates and alumino-silicates (K-feldspars and plagioclase), while minor phases included carbonates, titanium oxides, and iron oxides.

Although the main mineral classes were consistent among soils from different racetracks, the membranolytic activity, i.e., the ability of dust to induce cell membrane lysis, varies significantly among the samples.

On three representative soil samples with high, medium and low hemolytic activity ('Bologna,' 'Ferrara,' and 'Vinovo 1') were also analyzed with the cell-free radical generation assay to assess the potential of mineral soil surfaces to generate free radicals. The results indicated no correlation between the membranolytic activity of the soils and their ability to generate free radicals, as all three samples exhibited no significant radical activity.

Future studies will concentrate on investigating potential correlations between specific mineral phases in racetrack soils and their associated toxicity.

References:

[1] S.L. Raymond, A.F. Clarke, Australian Equine Veterinarian 1998, 16, 21-31

[2] K.J. Allen, W.H. Tremaine, S.H. Franklin, Equine Veterinarian 2006, 36, 529-34.

[3] K.M. Ivester, L. L. Couëtil, N.J Zimmerman, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2014, 28, 1653-1665.

[4] R.F. Hoy, D.C. Chambers, Allergy.2020, 75(11), 2805-2817.

How to cite: De Giuli, C., Sica, B., Fimiani, M., Petriglieri, J. R., Tomatis, M., Pavan, C., Belluso, E., Bullone, M., and Turci, F.: Effect of the mineral exposome on the pro-inflammatory impact of inhalable mineral dusts generated from racehorse working soils, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-18295, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-18295, 2025.

Asbestos minerals have been widely exploited due to their physical-chemical properties, and chrysotile asbestos has accounted for about 95% of all asbestos commercially employed worldwide. The exposure to chrysotile, classified like other five amphibole asbestos species as carcinogenic to humans, represents a serious occupational and environmental hazard. Nevertheless, this mineral is still largely employed in about 65% of the countries worldwide, which still allow its “safe use”.

The complex mechanisms through which the mineral fibres induce toxicity are not yet completely understood. In this regard, the morphometric parameters of asbestos fibres (e.g., length, width, aspect ratio) are known for their fundamental role in determining the degree of pathogenicity. Thus, the potential toxicity of short chrysotile fibres remains widely debated due to the contradictory results from countless studies. The present study investigated the different toxicity mechanisms of two representative batches of short (length <5 µm) and long (length >5 µm) chrysotile fibres obtained by cryogenic milling. The cytotoxic, genotoxic, and pro-inflammatory potential of the two chrysotile fractions, as compared to crocidolite and wollastonite carcinogenic positive and negative controls, was investigated on human THP-1-derived macrophages and HECV endothelial cells, both separately and in a co-culture setup, mimicking the alveolar pro-inflammatory microenvironment, in time course experiments up to 1 week. Parallel exposure experiments, up to 12 days, were also run on an in vitro 3D tissue model, the Mattek EpiAirway™, closely resembling the physiology of the mature human bronchial epithelium. Through these models, we could assess that both chrysotile fractions displayed cytotoxic, genotoxic, and pro-inflammatory effects, with resulted comparable to the well-known damaging effects of crocidolite asbestos, or higher, as in the case of the longer chrysotile fraction. Furthermore, in presence of HECV, fibre-treated macrophages showed prolonged inflammation, indicating an interesting crosstalk between these cells, able to sustain a low-grade chronic inflammation in the lung. This was also confirmed in the 3D lung tissue model were a semi-chronic exposure of 12 days led to a prolonged inflammatory response in crocidolite- and chrysotile-treated tissues as compared to control, untreated ones. In conclusion, these results help to shed light on some important open questions on the mechanisms of toxicity of chrysotile asbestos fibres.

Acknowledgements

This project has received funding from the Italian Ministry of University and Research, PRIN-2017 “FIBRES”, and from the Italian Ministry of Health for “Research and development of projects of alternative methods to animal models through experimental technologies, 2022”.

How to cite: Scarfì, S., Mirata, S., Almonti, V., Passalacqua, M., Vernazza, S., Bassi, A. M., and Gualtieri, A.: Inflammatory and carcinogenic potential of size-separated chrysotile fibres assessed through in vitro models of human lung tissue, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-20243, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-20243, 2025.

Erionite, a known respiratory carcinogen, is found in altered volcanic ash tuff layers and vesicles within volcanic rocks. In regions with volcaniclastic geology, road cuttings may expose erionite-containing rocks to natural or human disturbances, generating road dust. Airborne erionite fibres in road dust pose significant exposure risks to travellers. The identification of erionite fibres in airborne samples is challenging due to microscopic size, environmental sample contamination, and limitations in analytical techniques and criteria. This study investigated settled dust found on tree twigs along a road near an erionite-containing outcrop in Gawler Downs, New Zealand, where woolly erionite-K was previously reported as a rare occurrence. 

Dust particles were sonicate-washed from twig samples, underwent organic removal processes, and were analysed using SEM-EDX for morphology and chemical composition. Erionite bulk sample from the nearby outcrop were also analysed using SEM-EDS, and quantitative chemical calculations were performed to compared with previous EPMA results for each element under various size and condition scenarios. TEM-SAED analysis was employed to identify thin fibres or single crystal-like fibres.

Respirable-sized fibres were detected in dust from 50% of 20 sampling locations, suggesting possible air dispersion. Detected particles included elongated thin fibres and large bundles, with 65% meeting WHO hazardous fibre size criteria (L > 5 µm, W < 3 µm, AR > 3:1), while 40% were shorter than 5 µm. Quantitative SEM-EDX analysis of erionite bulk samples revealed that fibre width, sample condition and preparation and EDX machine variability significantly influenced the accuracy of elemental detection of fibres. Si and Al detection remained stable in fibres wider than 1 µm, and the Tsi (Si/(Si + Al)) ratio for larger fibrous bundles found matched literature-reported erionite ranges. TEM-SAED analysis confirmed 90% of 30 tested fibres as erionite.

These findings suggest that, despite the rare occurrence of erionite in geological samples from the road cuttings, erionite fibres can be dispersed in road dust and potentially become airborne. Since air-dispersed particles vary in morphology, the study suggests particle size and analytical method are important determinants of the accuracy of SEM-EDX results. The Tsi ratio may therefore only serve as a preliminary indicator that the fibre is erionite, and TEM-SAED continuous data necessary for identification of smaller sized erionite fibres. 

How to cite: Fan, W. (., Gualtieri, A., Dirks, K., Young, P., Hamilton, A., Patel, J., and Salmond, J.: Detection and characterisation of carcinogenic erionite fibres in road dust using quantitative SEM-EDX and TEM-SAED analysis, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-3354, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-3354, 2025.

Erionite is a naturally occurring fibrous zeolite linked to malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer that was first identified in Cappadocia, Turkey, where construction using erionite-rich rocks caused widespread exposure and elevated disease incidence. The pathological effects of erionite inhalation resemble those of asbestos fibres, chronic inflammation, and tumorigenesis due to prolonged lung retention, identifying the need for further study of this hazardous mineral dust.

While the environmental weathering of asbestos fibres and its impact on toxicity are well documented, the effects of chemical weathering on erionite remain poorly understood. Addressing this knowledge gap is crucial, given erionite’s occurrence  in many countries (e.g. the USA, Italy and New Zealand) and the likelihood of human exposure from natural and anthropogenic activities. This research investigates factors affecting the kinetics of chemical erionite weathering and how it modifies erionite’s structural and chemical properties, with potential implications for its toxicity.

We conducted batch dissolution experiments simulating natural weathering processes to examine changes in surface chemistry, morphology, and fibre reactivity, particularly free radical generation - a key mechanism of toxicity. The experimental design included dissolution over a range of pH values and incubation periods, with the addition of salts to maintain consistent ionic strength. Additionally, ligand treatments were included to understand the role of their presence in fibre dissolution and the behaviour of metal ions within erionite’s aluminosilicate structure. Preliminary findings indicate that weathering alters erionite’s surface properties, potentially influencing its reactivity and toxicity. This work contributes to understanding erionite’s environmental behaviour and public health implications, supporting a multidisciplinary approach to managing risks associated with hazardous mineral dusts.

How to cite: Mullin, M., Kah, M., Walter, M., Schenkeveld, W., and Brook, M.: Investigating the chemical weathering of erionite., EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-2919, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-2919, 2025.

Erionite is a naturally occurring zeolite mineral that predominantly forms in altered volcanic deposits, including intercalated basaltic to rhyolitic ash layers. Erionites often have fibrous crystals. They can be disseminated, infilling in cracks or vesicles in rocks and is highly carcinogenic, causing lung cancer (malignant mesothelioma) when becoming airborne. Recent studies have confirmed sporadic occurrences of natural erionite and other zeolite minerals that can be toxic to human and livestock. New Zealand’s erionite occurrence is observed to be limited to tuff layers within the Waitematā Group volcaniclastic sediments, or in vugs within the Waitakere Group and Mt Somers Volcanic Group.

This study tests a new non-destructive and fast, in-situ method for screening for erionite and other zeolite minerals using reflected light spectroscopy. The sample suite (n=100) has been studied mineralogically in details to confirm the presence of fibrous zeolites, using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction methods. We further analysed the same sample suit using an ASD FieldSpec 4 portable spectroradiometer capturing reflected light properties from the visible-near infrared (350–1000 nm, VNIR) to shortwave infrared (1000–2500 nm, SWIR) range. The scanned rocks were then used to develop a new spectral library of zeolite-bearing rocks across New Zealand. The VNIR-SWIR range can include diagnostic absorption features to detect the presence of hydrated minerals, including zeolites, using their vibration absorption features at 1920 nm and at longer wavelengths, related to related to -OH and -H₂O molecular bonds.

We trained multiple classification models (e.g., logistics regression and linear discriminant analysis) to test the applicability of multivariate statistical methods to detect fibrous and then potentially hazardous erionite and mordenite minerals in rock and powdered samples. The samples from the spectral library show a range of absorption features at 2208 nm, 2241 nm, 2295 nm and 2340 nm, which can be linked to fundamental stretching and bending vibrations (e.g., Al, Fe and Mg bonds), and carbonates, respectively. The classification yields variable overall accuracies between 0.5–0.6, using 0.75–0.25 train-test split validation. Most methods detected all known erionite-bearing rocks using VNIR-SWIR data, suggesting absorption features can successfully be linked to zeolites. Given the number of false positive samples, we suspect this method can provide a fast-screening tool, that can be employed in-situ to flag formation and lithologies prone to contain geologically-hazardous materials, such as fibrous erionite.

How to cite: Kereszturi, G., Hamilton, A., Shrestha, G., Brook, M., and Patel, J.: Detection of hazardous zeolites in sedimentary and volcanic rocks in New Zealand using SWIR reflectance spectroscopy and XRD, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-2957, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-2957, 2025.

Tuzköy, located in Nevşehir, Cappadocia, Turkey, is a focal point for research on erionite, a fibrous zeolite mineral linked to mesothelioma and classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. While its health impacts through airborne exposure are studied till now, distribution of the mineral in soil, air and the noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of geogenic elemental contaminants in the region remain unexplored. This study is concerned with filling these gaps by combining mineralogical and geochemical analyses, and applying risk assessment methodologies.

This ongoing research in collaboration with AFAD, till now 120 soil samples, 41 dust samples, 11 building stone samples, 8 water samples were collected, in addition 8 air pollution monitoring gauges, strategically placed across Tuzköy. To complement these samplings, eight 50-meter-deep boreholes have been drilled to characterize subsurface geological units and develop a 3D model of the region’s stratigraphy. Initial SEM-EDS examinations of dust samples widely demonstrated the presence of erionite fibers. Yet, the mineralogical analyses are not completed.

The planned elemental analysis utilizing ICP-MS on soils are used for identifying any potential toxic elements, with assessments of their carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic impacts based on established models, such as Hazard Quotients (HQ) and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). Findings from the planned geochemical analyses establish baselines for toxic element concentrations and spatial distribution while guiding risk mitigation strategies, including remediation and alternative construction practices in areas affected by erionite-bearing ignimbrites.

This framework represents a novel integration of mineralogy, geochemistry and health risk assessments in Tuzköy. It aims to inform future geomedical hazard mitigation efforts. The study’s results will provide critical insights for similar global regions affected by geogenic contaminants.

Keywords: Erionite, soil contamination, geochemical risk assessment, carcinogenic risk, noncarcinogenic risk.

How to cite: Kılıç, A., Toksoy Köksal, F., Çubukçu, H. E., Koca Akçay, G., Demir, A., İlgen, H. G., and Demir, S.: Potential toxicity of elements and erionite fibers in Tuzköy toward a comprehensive risk assessment framework, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-471, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-471, 2025.

In Pütürge region of Malatya, Türkiye, there are important deposits of pyrophyllite, a mineral widely utilized in industrial applications such as white cement production. In this study, pyrophyllite samples from the region are subjected to detailed mineralogical and morphological characterization. Bulk powder and clay fraction analyses conducted via X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that the samples predominantly consist of pyrophyllite, quartz, muscovite, and kaolinite, with occasional illite. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) confirmed a high purity level of pyrophyllite, with rutile as the primary impurity in the studied samples.

Morphological analysis of pyrophyllite using SEM highlighted presence of dominant lamellar crystals with a minor occurrence of fibrous habit. Given the widespread industrial usage of pyrophyllite in Türkiye, this observation raised concerns about its asbestiform nature due to potential health risks, including respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, which result from the inhalation of fine, elongated fibers capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and causing long-term damage to lung tissue and the pleura. However, whether all fibrous minerals pose health risks remains a topic of ongoing debate in contemporary research. According to the criteria established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asbestiform fibers are defined by their aspect ratios, fibril width, and specific morphological features. Pyrophyllite fibers observed in this study exhibit mean aspect ratios of 4:1 to 10:1 for fibers longer than 5 µm in contrary to the definition of EPA. In addition, widths ranging between 0.4 µm and 3.5 µm, and no occurrences of fiber bundles or spayed ends are observed, although some fibers demonstrated curvature. Based on these observations, it is concluded that the fibrous pyrophyllite in the analyzed samples does not exhibit asbestiform characteristics and therefore does not pose a health risk in industrial applications.

How to cite: Aykasım, D. and Toksoy Köksal, F.: Mineralogical and Morphological Characterization of Industrially Used Pyrophyllite from Pütürge (Malatya, Türkiye): Assessing Asbestiform Habit for Health Risk, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-622, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-622, 2025.

Introduction

Asbestos fibers, valued for their physicochemical properties, were extensively used in constructions and automotive industries. Despite their well-documented health risks, the use continues in some countries today. Colombia banned asbestos in 2019; however, the corresponding public policies have yet to be implemented.  The historical prevalence of asbestos industries has been associated with clusters of asbestos-related diseases in communities near former manufacturing sites. Sibaté, a municipality with an asbestos cement facility operating for five decades, reported Colombia’s first mesothelioma cluster. This study reconstructs the asbestos cement facility operations using interviews, aerial imagery, and regulatory documents to evaluate its impact on the local population.

Methods

Former workers were interviewed to obtain information on production process, asbestos control measures, and activities influencing asbestos fiber release from the facility. Key factors such as the plant layout, task locations, dry processes, ventilation systems, and water and waste management practices were analyzed to evaluate the facility's environmental impact. Additionally, a review of the scientific literature was conducted to analyze asbestos cement operations and asbestos fiber concentrations in countries across different income levels. The review aimed to identify and link asbestos exposure to specific production activities. Additionally, regulatory compliance documents from the regional environmental authority (CAR) were analyzed. Thirteen records — ten compliant and three non-compliant — along with the National Registry of Hazardous Waste Generators were reviewed to assess the facility’s adherence to regulations regarding industrial air emissions, wastewater treatment, and hazardous waste management.

Results

Thirteen factory workers employed between 1967 and 2010 have been interviewed. Flow diagrams were developed to identify activities with a significant risk of asbestos fiber release. In the absence of asbestos fibers measurements within the facility, asbestos concentrations from similar facilities in countries with varying development index were used to estimate exposure levels. Records between 1980 and 2019 from the environmental authority revealed data gaps regarding air, water and waste management practices at the factory which may have contributed to increased exposure risks for the surrounding population. Until 1999, untreated wastewater was discharged into the El Muña reservoir and potential illegal wastewater discharges were also identified in 2015. Hazardous waste was reportedly disposed in Sibaté and nearby municipalities, and waste deposition occurred in flood-prone areas. Disposal sites were poorly documented, with unclear details regarding their specific locations. While the facility claimed that asbestos residues were non-hazardous, no supporting studies were provided. Local testimonies confirm that Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) were used to construct  landfills in Sibaté.

Conclusion

The evidence gathered indicates that the asbestos cement facility in Sibaté consistently failed to comply with environmental regulations, leading to widespread asbestos contamination in surrounding areas. This ongoing contamination likely represents a significant source of asbestos exposure, posing a potential health risk to the population. Understanding the extent of this contamination is crucial for decision-makers to develop a comprehensive risk assessment and management plan for Sibaté. The approach used in Sibaté could serve as a valuable framework for assessing similar risks in other low- and middle-income countries.

How to cite: Giraldo, M., Ramos-Bonilla, J. P., Bedoya, L., Vargas, C., Lysaniuk, B., Cely-García, M. F., Comba, P., Turci, F., Maule, M., and Magnani, C.: The Sibaté asbestos-cement facility case study: Reconstructing the production process to assess its occupational and environmental impacts , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-13286, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-13286, 2025.

Asbestos fibres have been a key component of man-made artefacts and industrial products, collectively known as Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs), due to their exceptional technological properties, recognized since ancient times. These properties, including non-flammability, chemical resistance, remarkable flexibility, and binder property made asbestos a widely used material in cultural and artistic objects worldwide.

The earliest evidence of asbestos-containing artefacts dates back to the Neolithic period, when asbestos was added in pottery production across a vast region of Eurasia, including Scandinavia, Corsica, Greece, and the Japanese Archipelago. The ancient Greeks and Romans employed asbestos for weaving fabrics, cremation shrouds, and candlewicks, as documented by archaeological findings. In some areas, these traditions persisted into the Middle Ages.

The large-scale industrial use of asbestos intensified in the modern era, particularly during the Second World War, and peaked between the 1960s and 1980s, driven by rapid economic development. Notably, asbestos cement roofing (e.g., manufactured by Eternit^®) and panels became ubiquitous worldwide. However, during this time, medical evidence and scientific studies began to reveal the carcinogenic effects of asbestos fibres, especially when inhaled. Classified as a carcinogen (IARC, 1977), asbestos was subsequently banned in many countries to protect public health and workers.

In this complex scenario, the assessment of asbestos-related risks extends beyond the presence of ACMs in buildings, which are typically addressed by existing EU regulations. Heritage sites, including museums, face a unique dual challenge: preserving cultural and historical artefacts while safeguarding the health and safety of workers and visitors.

Currently, asbestos monitoring focuses on assessing the potential release of fibres into the air following ACM mobilization. However, a less-explored issue is the handling, restoration, preservation, and exhibition of movable and immovable artefacts containing asbestos, where it serves as a primary material or a secondary component. Beyond well-known art objects such as frescos, murals, wall paintings, oil paintings, and artistic installations, modern asbestos-containing artefacts include musical instruments, radio and film equipment, decorative ceiling panels, theatre curtains, furniture, garden vases, lamps, interior bookcases, advertising flyers, and pinball machines.

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of cultural heritage objects that may contain asbestos as a primary, secondary, or trace component and to propose guidelines for their safe handling during restoration (e.g., cleaning), transportation, and exhibition to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure.

How to cite: Petriglieri, J. R., Capella, S., Siviero, F., and Belluso, E.: Asbestos in cultural heritage artefacts: guidelines for risk assessment and management of antique and modern artefacts in view of restoration, preservation, and exhibition , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-13601, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-13601, 2025.