Asbestos in the natural environment: H. Schreier. Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam, 1989. 172 pp. (ISBN 0-444-88031-3) $89.50/Dfl. 170.00 hardcover

Abstract

1. General Introduction. Introduction. What is asbestos? A brief history of asbestos use. Medical and biological problems. Environmental considerations. Topics to be addressed in this book. 2. Properties, Mineralogy, Distribution and Analysis. Introduction. Physical properties. Chemical properties. Solubility and leachability. Physio-chemical conditions. Mineralogy and geology. Geological distribution of asbestos. Identification and quantification of asbestos. Summary. 3. Asbestos in the Aquatic Environment. Introduction. Asbestos fibers in water supplies. Asbestos fiber transport and deterioration in water. Impact of asbestos fibers on aquatic biota. Impact of asbestos fibers on human health. Summary of impact on health by waterborne asbestos fibers and health. 4. Asbestos Fibers in the Soil Environment. Introduction. Mineralogy, soil genesis, and evolution. Nutrient problems. Physical properties. Asbestos in soils and its effect on soil biology. Asbestos rich soils and animal health. Asbestos rich soils and human health. Improving soils to enhance revegetation. Modification of asbestos waste in soils. Summary of asbestos fibers in the soil environment. 5. Asbestos and Plant Growth. Introduction. Plant distribution on asbestos rich serpentinitic sites. Serpentine induced stress and plant response. Plant selection for revegetation of asbestos waste materials. Summary of plant response in asbestos rich environments. 6. Other Environmental Concerns. Introduction. Airborne asbestos fibers in the natural environment. Vehicular traffic on asbestos bearing materials, quarrying, loading and transporting such materials. Asbestos waste disposal and reclamation. Summary relating to special environmental concerns. Epilogue. References. Subject Index.