Libby Amphibole, Erionite, and Other Respirable Elongate Mineral Particles - Nonregulated Hazards?

Almost 50 years ago government agencies (OSHA, EPA, NIOSH, WHO) deemed it necessary to regulate “Asbestos” which is defined as the asbestiform variety of six mineral types: Chrysotile, Amosite, Crocidolite, Anthophyllite, Tremolite, and Actinolite. However, other NONREGULATED asbestiform minerals, many exhibiting even greater toxicity than Asbestos exist in the natural environment. Asbestos in combination with these “other nonregulated” asbestiform minerals are routinely referred to in scientific literature as Respirable Elongate Mineral Particles (REMPs). A list of REMPs will include Asbestos, Libby Amphibole, Erionite, Fibrous Talc/Talc Ribbons, and occasionally even Crystalline Silica among others. Such REMPs are frequently observed and documented in impacted human tissue along with Asbestos. Conclusions to include review of current scientific literature comparing toxicity of REMPs versus Asbestos.

Original Airdate:  Thursday, August 11, 2022
 
Length:  60 minutes 

Presenter: Lee Poye - Eurofins Built Environment Testing