Abstract
Studies were carried out to determine asbestos fiber levels in cosmetic (talc powder) and non-cosmetic (gauze pad, plastic filler and ceiling tiles) products sold in market outlets within Enugu, metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria, using standard established procedures. The samples were pretreated based on its physical make-up and the asbestos fiber levels determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersing spectroscopy techniques. The mean range of asbestos fiber was, 0.02 - 0.06; 0.01 - 0.05; 0.01 - 0.04 and 0.03 - 0.06 f/cc for talc powder, gauze pads, plastic filler and ceiling tile samples respectively. The mean levels of asbestos fibers in the studied samples were within the recommended permissible limits. The samples contain asbestos fiber in the following decreasing order: ceiling tiles > talc powders > gauze pads > plastic fillers. Asbestos fiber was found present in the investigated local and foreign items sold in market outlets within the metropolis. This study shows that despite the ban on the use of asbestos in the industry in the manufacture of items meant for human use, its enforcement appears weak and lethargic and this could portend health danger especially in the use of produced items with high asbestos fiber friability such as talc powder.
Highlights
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral
Studies were carried out to determine asbestos fiber levels in cosmetic and non-cosmetic products sold in market outlets within Enugu, metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria, using standard established procedures
The samples were pretreated based on its physical make-up and the asbestos fiber levels determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersing spectroscopy techniques
Summary
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral. It is the name used to describe. Asbestos containing material is not generally considered to be harmful unless it is releasing dust or fibers into the air where it can be inhaled or ingested [7]. Once they are trapped in the body, the fibers can cause health problems. Epidemiological studies mainly an occupational (mining and milling), manufacturing or product application groups, have established that all types of asbestos fibers may be associated with asbestosis, bronchial carcinoma and mesothelioma [10]. The incidence of bronchial carcinoma (lung cancer) in people who are directly involved in the mining, milling, manufacturing and use of asbestos and its products is much higher than in the general population. Due to its adverse health impacts, studies was carried out to determine the levels of asbestos fibers in cosmetic (talc powders), non cosmetic (paint fillers, ceiling tiles and gauze pads) products sold in markets within Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria
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