Abstract
BackgroundA recent study demonstrates that inhalation of airborne particulate from Mount Etna eruptions may induce fibrotic lung disease. The occupational exposure of construction workers from the Etna area, who excavate building sites and use basalt dust to make mortar, has never been assessed.MethodsSamples of basalt, volcanic ash, basalt + cement and cement dust were collected on the construction site of a subway tunnel, ground to dust and subjected to the Microtox® solid-phase test to evaluate the toxicity of dust suspensions. Samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Minerals were identified and characterized by their morphology and elemental composition.ResultsThe elements found most frequently were C, Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe and O. All four dusts were toxic: basalt and ash were significantly less toxic than basalt + cement and cement, which shared a similar and very high degree of toxicity. Higher Fe, Ca and Mg concentrations were associated with greater toxicity.ConclusionsThe risk related to long-term occupational exposure to various dusts on constructions sites in the Mount Etna area should be further assessed.
Highlights
A recent study demonstrates that inhalation of airborne particulate from Mount Etna eruptions may induce fibrotic lung disease
In a recent study Censi and co-workers [4] demonstrated that inhalation of airborne particulate from Mount Etna eruptions may be responsible for fibrotic lung disease
The possible health effects experienced by construction workers excavating basaltic rock, which forms from volcanic eruptions, have never been investigated
Summary
A recent study demonstrates that inhalation of airborne particulate from Mount Etna eruptions may induce fibrotic lung disease. The occupational exposure of construction workers from the Etna area, who excavate building sites and use basalt dust to make mortar, has never been assessed. Studies of ash exposure related to volcanic activity among the residents of the Etna area (Sicily, Italy) have shown an increase in the rate of acute respiratory and cardiovascular diseases [1,2] and accumulation of heavy metals in the airways [3]. In a recent study Censi and co-workers [4] demonstrated that inhalation of airborne particulate from Mount Etna eruptions may be responsible for fibrotic lung disease. The possible health effects experienced by construction workers excavating basaltic rock, which forms from volcanic eruptions, have never been investigated. Cement and basalt dust are often mixed to make mortar
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