The hornblende gabbro investigated in this study crops out in northwestern Elazığ, eastern Türkiye, within the Southeastern Anatolian Orogenic Belt (SAOB), where Late Cretaceous ophiolitic, volcanic, plutonic, and metamorphic units are widely exposed. This study examines the petrology, whole-rock geochemistry, Sr–Nd isotopic composition, mineral chemistry, and crystallisation conditions of these gabbroic bodies to constrain their petrogenesis and tectonomagmatic significance. Field observations show that the rock occurs as rounded to sub-rounded blocks with fresh inner cores and altered outer rims. Petrographic and XRD data indicate that the fresh gabbro mainly consists of plagioclase and amphibole, whereas the altered outer rims contain quartz and minor secondary phases. Whole-rock geochemical data classify the samples as low- to medium-K, tholeiitic, and predominantly metaluminous gabbro. Primitive mantle-normalised trace-element patterns display enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements and depletion in high-field-strength elements, whereas chondrite-normalised REE patterns show slight LREE enrichment, relatively flat HREE patterns, and weak Eu anomalies. Sr–Nd isotopic compositions are characterised by positive εNd(T) values (+4.4 to +5.3) and moderately radiogenic initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.704792–0.705344), indicating a predominantly mantle-derived magma source affected by subduction-related modification, with limited crustal contribution. Mineral chemistry data show that amphiboles belong to the calcic amphibole group and plot in the magnesio-hornblende field. Amphibole thermobarometric calculations yielded temperatures of 873–991 °C and pressures of 1.49–3.26 kbar, corresponding to crystallisation depths of 5.1–15.3 km. Overall, the results indicate that the hornblende gabbro was derived from a mafic magma generated from a spinel lherzolite mantle source and crystallised in a subduction-related tectonomagmatic setting.

Soil contamination caused by chrysotile and antigorite fibres during serpentinite mining in oofiten rock in south-western Poland.

Asbestiform fibers and cleavage fragments of the same mineral have different origins, though distinguishing between samples of fibers and fragments is often complicated. This study aims to demonstrate an efficient method for distinguishing between samples of two commercial amphibole asbestos types (crocidolite and amosite) and their non-asbestiform varieties. For the study, 15 dimensional datasets were used. For classification, two metrics were used: the fraction of elongate mineral particles with 2.99log10(length)-5.82log10(width)-3.80 ≥ 0, and the Pearson Index, which is the linear correlation coefficient between log10(width) and log10(length) of elongate mineral particles in the set. The decision boundary of CriteriaParticlesFraction ≥ 0.34PearsonIndex + 0.35 was found to predict the correct habit for amphibole datasets with an average error rate of 0.4% (Cohen’s Kappa statistics 0.992). Additionally, several quantitative characteristics were used that have been demonstrated to be predictive of mesothelioma potency factors of elongate particles. These include dimensional coefficient of carcinogenicity (DCC), found as 1 – exp(-A x Surface AreaK/(B x widthT +C)), EMPA (fraction of particles longer than 5 µm with diameter not higher than 0.15 µm), EMPB (fraction of particles longer than 5 µm with diameter not higher than 0.25 µm), and aerodynamic diameter of the particles. It was demonstrated that asbestiform and non-asbestiform datasets have significantly different dimensional parameters that can be related to dissimilar toxicological effects.

There is a demand for population level research on the potential genetic-basis of mesothelioma (e.g. BRCA1-associated protein-1 [BAP1]) independent of other risk factors, such as amphibole asbestos exposure. By surrogate, another primary cancer history can be used to explore this issue, including in the USA, where the incidence rates (IRs) in men, but not women, are temporally aligned with historical asbestos consumption. We computed age-adjusted IRs of mesothelioma in females and males stratified by other primary cancer history using publicly available U.S. cancer data from 1975 to 2021. To facilitate comparison with other cancers associated with BAP1, we calculated age-adjusted IRs for female breast cancer and melanoma. Similar to breast cancer and melanoma, ~ 25% of females with mesothelioma had a history of at least one other primary cancer. While IRs of mesothelioma in males without a history of other primary cancers were temporally aligned with historical asbestos consumption trends in the USA, IRs of mesothelioma among males with other primary cancer histories showed no relationship with asbestos consumption trends. Our findings suggest that a genetic predisposition for malignancy contributes to U.S. mesothelioma rates and is a distinct risk factor independent of asbestos exposure.

Proceedings of the Libby, Montana asbestos education & outreach retreat Jean C. Pfau discusses the history and health implications of the vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana, and the establishment of the Center for Asbestos-Related Disease (CARD), which offers vital clinical services for affected individuals. Additionally, a retreat in June 2025 allowed experts to share research findings on asbestos exposure. Libby, Montana, is known for its year-round recreation opportunities, its moderate climate (for Montana), and a notorious vermiculite mine. For decades, the mine supported the people and economy of Libby by providing stable employment for miners, loggers, processing plant workers, and many others. Sadly, along with the vermiculite came tiny needle- like fibers of a deadly fibrous mineral called Libby Amphibole (LA) asbestos. In 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared a Public Health Emergency in Libby, calling for cleanup and funding for the medical care of affected residents. Shortly after, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provided special provisions to pay for free health screenings and Medicare coverage. (1) Libby’s Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD), a 501-C-3 non-profit organization, has provided essential clinical services for people exposed to LA since 2002. It was chosen as the premier site to provide the screenings under the ACA.

BackgroundInhaled mineral fibers including asbestos are associated with lung cancer and pleural disease. In this study, we evaluated methodologies for mineral fiber isolation with subsequent physical and chemical characterization from pulmonary tissues of rats exposed to Libby amphibole asbestos 2007 (LA 2007) fibers via repeated nose-only inhalation. At the completion of the exposures, lungs were collected either as is or instilled with liquid agarose to produce a pulmonary cast. To extract fibers, lung tissue with and without pulmonary casts were further processed by either high temperature ashing or chemical digestion. The use of liquid agarose to produce pulmonary casts was discontinued after the first study assessment as no fibers were present in the pleural cavity for evaluation. Fibers isolated from the lungs were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) coupled with selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) for physical and chemical characterization. The bulk LA 2007 test material was also analyzed to provide comparison of fiber dimensions and chemical composition of the fibers introduced during exposure. Particular interest was focused on the comparison between high temperature ashing and chemical digestion extraction methodologies.ResultsChemical digestion of lung tissue with and without pulmonary casts resulted in fiber dimensions and chemical profiles similar to the bulk LA 2007 test chemical and exposure atmosphere. Conversely, high temperature ashing resulted in degraded fibers with chemically altered profiles.ConclusionsBased on the findings in this study, chemical digestion of lung tissue is the preferred preparation method for the isolation of inhaled mineral fibers for lung burden analysis.

Manufactured infrastructures of urban areas, including buildings and roads, are contributors of solid particles to the environment due to wear processes and further weathering. Mineral dusts produced by such mechanisms are transported by air or water across urban compartments until they accumulate in surrounding natural and artificial sediment reservoirs, mixing with other minerals of geogenic sedimentary origin. With the expansion of artificialized urban surfaces over time, the contribution of urban-sourced minerals is expected to increase in sediment fluxes, thus taking an increasing importance in biogeochemical cycles. In this study, we postulate that mineral particles emitted from specific man-made materials could be traced in different compartments of urban environments on the basis of their mineralogical signature. Such identified urban mineralogical components could then serve as useful markers to monitor urbanization wear processes and subsequent emprise of urbanization at the regional scale. Here, we have analyzed a collection of urban samples, which comprises urban dusts, road sediment deposits, suspended particulate matter from the Seine and Orge rivers near Paris, and sediments accumulating in stormwater basins along high traffic roads in the Paris region (N118, N104). In almost all of the solid samples studied (n=34), whose sampling span over a ten-year period, we show by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) the presence of minerals belonging to the amphibole group, which are necessarily derived from human activities since these minerals do not belong to the Parisian sedimentary basin. Detailed analysis of a mineral pellet embedded in bitumen of road treads sampled in a Paris street by analytical electron microscopies and Rietveld refinement analysis of powder XRD pattern show that a ferro-magnesio-actinolite is a major constituent (17 wt%) of this road material. Further analysis of an amphibole grain in a road dust sample by single crystal X-ray diffraction also points to such FeMg-actinolite of Ca 2.15 Mg 2.44 Fe 2.56 Si 8 O 22 (OH) 2 composition. Other samples collected in the vicinity of areas subjected to road water runoff also contain amphibole minerals of close crystal-chemical composition to this FeMg-actinolite, likely designating road aggregates as sources of amphiboles in our broad set of samples. A large distribution of sizes was observed for amphibole particles using electron microscopy, from massive (100-10 μm) to micrometric packages of elongated mineral particles, likely produced by cleavage of massive particles. The presence of micrometric minerals with elongated fiber habit, likely resulting from cleavage of more massive amphiboles, raises questions about public exposure to such urban dusts. This amphibole signature is also detected in samples of river suspended particulate matter from strongly artificialized urban areas, including in a punctual sample collected in the Seine River, which emphasizes the pervasive occurrence of such minerals in this urban environment. Additionally, the presence of amphibole is suggested by X-ray diffraction on a sample taken on a building roof, which calls for a quantitative investigation of amphibole transport pathways, including air transport, in urban areas. Finally, we propose that this amphibole mineralogical pattern could be used as a mineralogical tracer of city wear and urbanization influence on sedimentary fluxes produced by urban materials. • XRD shows the presence of amphibole minerals in urban dust of the Paris region • Detailed analysis of a road aggregate points to roads as a source of amphibole • Cristallochemical investigations point to a FeMg-actinolite composition • Various morphologies are observed from massive to micrometric elongated particles • XRD amphibole detection in River SPM suggests high exported fluxes

This work reports the results of a statistical analysis for evaluating the toxicity/carcinogenicity potential of mineral fibres using the Fibre Potential Toxicity Index (FPTI), a quantitative model designed to assess the toxicity and carcinogenicity of mineral fibres based on their physical, chemical, and morphological characteristics. The FPTI model evaluates 18 parameters of mineral fibres, such as morphometry, chemical composition, biodurability, and surface features, which contribute to adverse effects in vitro and in vivo. The model has been used to evaluate several mineral fibres, namely asbestos minerals and erionite. Recent statistical analysis of these data has led to the creation of representative classes for various fibres, allowing for the evaluation of new fibres with industrial, economic, or social significance. The analysis allowed to draw distinct classes of fibres classified as IARC Group 1 carcinogenic agents (amphibole asbestos, erionite, and chrysotile) and fibres classified as IARC Group 3 agents (sepiolite and wollastonite). The study identifies fibre size, metals' content, and dissolution rate as critical parameters of the model. The FPTI model serves as a preliminary screening tool, complementing other predictive models, to inform regulatory decisions and IARC classification processes for mineral fibres that may pose risks to public health.

IntroductionDifferences exist in the morphological features of asbestos and the abilities of measuring tools over the spectrum of the particle size distribution in ground bulk mineral powders. Amphiboles and serpentine most often occur naturally without an asbestos component, although amphiboles typically produce elongate mineral particles when ground. For reasons of defining health risks, attempts to conclusively distinguish between asbestos and non-asbestos occurrences are warranted. Asbestiform morphological characteristics are more readily visible in the coarser size fraction of a ground mineral powder. Therefore, a procedure was developed to isolate and analyze the coarse size fraction of mineral mixtures for asbestos.MethodsThe morphological characteristics of asbestos spiked into ground mineral powders at 100 ppm and 500 ppm concentrations were evaluated. Three types of asbestos, Lone Pine tremolite, Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) chrysotile, and short-fiber Calidria chrysotile, were spiked into a coarsely crushed talc matrix. Spiked samples were aggressively co-ground to simulate a milled mineral powder final product. The coarsest particles in the mixture were isolated using a wet-sieving technique and evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and polarizing light microscopy (PLM). A production-scale ultrafine milled talc sample containing trace amounts of amphibole was also analyzed using the wet-sieve approach.ResultsAsbestos was readily detected by both SEM and PLM in the coarsest size fraction at these low concentrations, despite aggressive grinding. Classic morphological features of asbestos, such as occurrence in bundles and presence of long, thin fibers showing curvature, were observed for all types of asbestos by both SEM and PLM at both concentrations. There were no morphology differences between the 500 ppm and 100 ppm concentrations, although fewer particles were observed in the latter, as expected. Trace amounts of amphibole asbestos were detected in the production-scale ultrafine milled talc sample which showed classic asbestiform morphology even though the sample had been ground to a 1.5 μm median particle size.DiscussionResults show that the presence of asbestos can be confirmed in ground bulk mineral powders using this analysis approach and detection by SEM and/or PLM is limited only by the amount of material analyzed. This approach is opposite to types of asbestos analyses that concentrate on the finest particles (such as those performed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM)), which can sometimes be inconclusive. The production-scale ultrafine milled talc sample provided proof of concept for this approach. The techniques described can be used to accurately determine if a mineral product contains asbestos or an asbestos component.

Since the 1980s, lung fibre burden analysis has been used in reconstructing past exposure to asbestos and in estimating the dose-response relationship for asbestos-related cancers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity (sensitivity and specificity) of the reference values proposed by the Helsinki Consensus Documents in 1997 and 2014 to assign asbestos exposure. Counts of asbestos bodies (AB) and amphibole asbestos fibres (AAF) in dry lung tissue samples performed by the ARPA Electron Microscopy Laboratory in Milan from 2009 to 2020 have been used to assess the discriminating performance between asbestos exposure and background exposure. For each sample/individual, we retrieved information on disease diagnosis and on asbestos exposure at work or in other settings. We calculated sensitivity and specificity using either Helsinki criteria (1000+ AB or 1,000,000+ AAF >1 µm per gram of dry lung tissue) or different optimal statistical cut-points chosen on the basis of three statistical methods. From the original list of 822 samples, we selected samples from 563 individuals with information on disease (325 with mesothelioma, 158 with lung cancer, 24 with asbestosis or pleural plaques, and 56 without asbestos-related diseases) and with information on asbestos exposure. The number of subjects with a history of asbestos exposure was 507, 478 occupationally exposed and 29 with familiar or environmental exposure. The 56 individuals without asbestos-related diseases (of whom 53 were included in a previous publication on background asbestos exposure) were taken as "unexposed." The estimated (rounded) optimal cut-points were 600 AB and 300,000 AAF with all three statistical methods. The Helsinki criteria had very good specificity (1 for AB and 0.95 for AAF), and good sensitivity (0.89) for AB, while sensitivity was quite low for AAF (0.67, implying one third of false negatives). The optimal statistical cut-points showed higher sensitivity for AB (0.94) and much better sensitivity for AAF (0.85). In sub-analyses, we found that the Helsinki criteria had good/sufficient sensitivity only among 249 highly exposed shipyard workers, not among 258 individuals with lower exposure; the optimal statistical cut-points yielded higher sensitivity, especially in lower-exposed individuals. Based on a large sample size, we have shown good sensitivity for AB but very low sensitivity for AAF using Helsinki criteria for the attribution of exposure to asbestos. We propose to adopt lower values (600 AB or 300,000 AAF), because they would avoid a large proportion of false negatives. We remind that lung fibre burden analysis should be viewed as a complement (not a substitute) for a carefully collected lifetime job history.

Asbestos still represents a major public health problem on a global scale. In Central Asia chrysotile is still mined and used, claiming that it is safer with respect to amphibole asbestos within certain concentrations. However, the problem of asbestos exposure in Central Asia and its consequences on human health have been poorly investigated. We analysed, for the first time, samples of raw and wrought material coming from one of the two asbestos-cement industries, currently active, located near the city of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, as well as air samples collected on different sites of Bishkek and Kant and lung tissues taken from the general population during clinical autopsies. Air samples have been analyzed using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Heavy air asbestos pollution was detected in Kant (30.2 ff/L), while Bishkek had lower levels. Lung tissue analysis in the general population, carried out using both SEM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with EDS, revealed the presence of both chrysotile and amphibole asbestos. Such findings underline that, even in countries where the use of asbestos is allowed based on the presumed pureness of chrysotile used and the lower carcinogenic potential of chrysotile compared to amphibole asbestos, the general population could be exposed also to amphibole asbestos.

IntroductionAsbestos body and fiber burdens may be determined using different preparations of lung tissue. Paraffin-embedded tissue requires more complex steps than formalin-fixed tissue. A prior study highlighted potential variations in the measurement of retained mineral fibers in different lung preparations and prompted this expanded interlaboratory analysis. Data from exposed subjects referred to a Swiss laboratory were compared with the results of mineral analysis obtained from a laboratory based in the United Kingdom.MethodsNumbers of asbestos bodies were determined in formalin-fixed tissue and corresponding paraffin blocks of 62 subjects in Zurich by NaOCl digestion. Fiber burden was measured in a total of 104 subjects (62 subjects in Zurich and 42 subjects in Cardiff).ResultsAsbestos body and amphibole asbestos fiber counts obtained from paraffin blocks were noted to be, in general, lower than counts obtained from formalin-fixed tissue. The limits of detection were higher in paraffin blocks than in formalin-fixed tissue. Similar trends were obtained in the two laboratories.DiscussionIn this comparative mineral analytic study, the authors focused on the potential significance of differing specimen preparations (formalin-fixed wet lung versus paraffin wax-embedded block extraction) investigating paired samples. The results generally reflect numerically higher fiber burdens in samples analyzed from wet lungs compared with counterpart paraffin wax tissue. Mineral analysis by electron microscopic analysis remains the most objective measure of the respirable fraction of mineral dust as it correlates most directly with disease risk.

Amphiboles are a class of minerals that are abundantly present in the environment. Amphiboles may exist in several habits, with asbestiform particles behaving like typical amphibole asbestos and non-asbestiform (or massive) reported to be less biologically active. The available dimensional information for 16 testing sets (8 asbestiform and 8 non-asbestiform types of tremolite) was combined. In addition, three validation sets (an asbestiform sample from Eastern New York and non-asbestiform samples from Quebec and Falls Village, Connecticut) were tested by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to determine dimensional distribution. Mathematical modeling was utilized to determine the classification method for amphiboles with various habits. The decision boundary method was developed to distinguish asbestiform vs. non-asbestiform samples (with error rate of 0 % for single-sourced tremolite and 3 % for potentially mixed samples). All validation datasets were correctly classified. A new empirical dimensional coefficient of carcinogenicity (DCC) was proposed, with DCC = 1 - exp(-0.11 Surface Area /(1000width3 + 1)). For several mineral types (crocidolite, amosite, Libby amphiboles, anthophyllite, chrysotile, and erionite), it was demonstrated that mesothelioma potency factors can be predicted based on DCC and biosolubility with a high level of accuracy (R=0.98, R2=0.96, p < 0.006). It was demonstrated that modeled mesothelioma potency correlates with relative potency for pleural instillation in Wistar rats, and correlates inversely with membranolytic toxicity index HC50. Mesothelioma potency was demonstrated to be negligible in all non-asbestiform sets. The habit of amphibole particles is predictive of biological behavior that can be estimated from the dimensional data for the particles.

Amphibole asbestos as a public health risk in 2025: Autoimmune disease Despite efforts to minimize exposure, deaths from asbestos-related diseases remain high. A recent review emphasized the importance of evaluating different mineral groups and pointed out that exposure to amphibole asbestos is linked to higher rates of autoimmune diseases. Jean C. Pfau and Brenda J. Buck discuss the urgent need to address this public health risk more effectively. Despite decades of work to reduce asbestos exposure, tens of thousands of people die globally from asbestos-related diseases, including 30,000 deaths from mesothelioma. (1) Death rates from mesothelioma have remained fairly constant since 1999, both globally and in most countries, after having risen dramatically during the decades when asbestos exposures were not regulated. (2) In the United States, mesothelioma deaths were found to be disproportionately high. Because mesothelioma occurs specifically with exposure to asbestos and similar minerals, this constancy suggests that, despite current regulations, asbestos exposures continue to occur at a rate that poses a serious public health problem. In addition, the rates of asbestos-caused cancers of the trachea, bronchus, and lung in the United States are twice that of the global average during the same period. (2) Lastly, systemic autoimmune diseases (SAID) are on the rise globally, with evidence that much of that rise is due to environmental factors, including asbestos. (3,5)

Введение. Асбест – общий коммерческий термин для обозначения двух из множества существующих групп природных минеральных волокон: группы серпентинита (хризотил) и группы амфиболов (актинолит, амозит, антофиллит, крокидолит и тремолит), имеющих общие области применения. Длительное воздействие асбестосодержащей пыли образующейся в процессе добычи и обогащения асбеста, при производстве, использовании, и утилизации асбестосодержащей продукции в неконтролируемых условиях увеличивает риск развития целого ряда серьёзных заболеваний. Существенную роль в оценке реальных рисков играет оценка потенциальной возможности воздействия, идентификация собственно воздействия волокон асбеста, вида асбеста и объективная оценка интенсивности воздействия. Наиболее широко используемым методом являются определение счётных концентраций волокон в воздухе с использованием оптической фазово-контрастной микроскопии, сканирующей и трансмиссионной микроскопии с энергодисперсионным микроанализом типа волокон. Цель исследования - анализ проб пыли, осевшей на горизонтальные поверхности для идентификации потенциальной возможности загрязнения воздуха волокнистыми частицами. Материалы и методы. Летом 2024 года отобрано 28 проб пыли с горизонтальных поверхностей в городах Бишкек (22 проб) и Кант (6 проб). Образцы пыли исследованы методом сканирующей электронной микроскопии (СЭМ) с микроанализом минерального состава проб, методом энергодисперсионной рентгеновской спектроскопии. Результаты и обсуждение. Метод СЭМ позволил детально проанализировать образцы и провести минералогический анализ каждого из выявленных при исследовании объектов. В пяти образцах пыли (два в г. Бишкек и три в г. Кант) были обнаружены волокна хризотилового асбеста в концентрации более 0,01%. Волокна хризотилового асбеста находились в связанном с цементным матриксом состоянии. Волокон асбеста амфиболовой группы не обнаружено или их содержание менее 0,01%. В семи образцах из г. Бишкек и трёх образцах из г. Кант были обнаружены искусственные минеральные волокна (ИМВ), с размерными характеристиками, близкими к определению «респирабельное волокно». Заключение. Методы контроля загрязнения воздуха отличаются достаточно высокой стоимостью, трудоемкостью и требуют высококвалифицированного персонала. При этом, объективную картину может дать только регулярный мониторинг. Разовые мероприятия по отбору единич ных проб воздуха не могут служить надёжным источником информации о потенциальной возможности воздействия, наличии или отсутствии собственно воздействия волокон асбеста (и/или других природ ных и искусственных минеральных волокон, которые также могут оказывать негативное влияние на здоровье человека), вида воздействующих волокон и интенсивности воздействия. Таким образом, при отсутс твии данных выполненного ранее регулярного мониторинга загрязнения воздуха рабочей зоны и/или атмосферного воздуха населённых мест волокнистыми частицами, определение содержания осевших из воздуха волокон асбеста и других природных и искусственных минеральных волокон в пробах осевшей на горизонтальных поверхностях (например, на обочинах автодорог или других поверхностях) пыли является значимым, сравнительно малотрудозатратным и недорогим инструментом для идентификации потенциальной возможности загрязне ния воздуха волокнистыми частицами, позволяет принимать решение о наличии или отсутствии необходимости регулярного мониторинга. Киришүү. Асбест - бул табигый минералдык булалардын көпчүлүк топторунун экөөсү үчүн жалпы коммерциялык термини болуп саналат: жалпы колдонуу тармагындагы серпентинит тобу (хризотил) жана амфибол тобу (актинолит, амозит, антофиллит, кроцидолит жана тремолит). Асбести казып алуу жана байытуу, өндүрүү, иштетүү процес синдеги, асбест камтыган продукцияны жок кылуудагы контролсуз шарттарда пайда болгон асбест камтыган чаңдын узак мөөнөттүү таасири бир катар олуттуу оорулардын пайда болуу тобокелдигин жогорулатат. Чыныгы тобокелдиктерди баалоодо таасир берү үнүн потен циалдык мүмкүнчүлүгүн баалоо, асбест буласынын жеке таасиринин идентификациясы, асбесттин түрү жана таасирдин интен сивдүүлүгүнө объективдүү баа берүү маанилүү ролду ойнойт. Буланын түрүнүн энергодисперсиондук микроанализи менен трансмиссиялык микроскопияны жана сканирлөөчү оптикалык фазалык-контрасттык микроскопи яны колдонуу аркылуу абадагы булалардын сандык концентрацияларын аныктоо кеңири колдонулган ыкмалардан болуп саналат. Изилдөөнүн максаты - булалуу бөлүкчөлөр менен абанын потенциалдык булгануу мүмкүнчүлүгун аныктоо үчүн горизонталдык беттерде жайгашкан чаң үлгүлөрүн анализдөө. Материалдар жана ыкмалар. 2024-жылдын жай мезгилинде Бишкек (22 үлгү) жана Кант (6 үлгү) шаарларында горизонталдык беттерден жалпысынан 28 чаң үлгүсү алынган. Чаң үлгүлөрү сканерлөөчү электрондук микроскопия (СЭМ) менен үлгүлөрдүн минералдык курамына микроанализ жана энергетикалык дисперсиялык рентген спектроскопиясы менен изилденген. Жыйынтыктар жана талдоо. Сканирлөөчү электрондук микроскопия ыкмасы үлгүлөрдү деталдуу талдап чыгууга жана изилдөөнүн жүрүшүндө аныкталган объекттердин ар биринин минералогиялык анализин жүргүзүүгө мүмкүндүк берди. Чаңдын беш үлгүсүндө (Бишкекте эки жана Кантта үч) хризотил асбесттин буласы 0,01%дан жогору концентрацияда табылган. Хризотил асбестти цемент матрицасы ме нен байланышкан абалда болгон. Амфиболдук асбесттердин буласы табылган жок же анын курамы 0,01%дан аз. Бишкектен жети жана Канттан үч үлгүдө «респирабелдүү булалар» аныктамасына жакын өлчөмдөгү мүнөздөмөлөргө ээ жасалма минералдык булалар (ЖМБ) табылган. Жыйынтыгы. Булалуу бөлүкчөлөр менен абанын булганышын көзө мөлдөө ыкмалары кымбат болгону, эмгекти көп талап кылуусу менен айырмаланат жана жогорку квалификациялуу кадрларды талап кылат. Ошол эле учурда үзгүлтүксүз мониторинг гана объективдүү сүрөт төөнү бере алат. Аба үлгүсүн алуу боюнча бир жолку иш-чаралар асбест булаларынын таасир берүүсүнүн потенциалдуу мүмкүнчүлүгү, бар же жоктугу (жана/же башка табигый жана жасалма минералдык булалар ошондой эле адамдын ден соолугуна терс таасир тийгизиши мүмкүн) таасир берүүчү булалардын түрү жана таасири жөнүндөгү маалыматтын ишенимдүү булагы боло албайт. Ошентип, мурда аткарылган мезгилдүү мониторингдин маалыматтары жок болгон учурда жумушчу зонасынын жана/же калктуу пункттардын атмосфералык абасынын булалуу бөлүкчөлөр менен булганышына, абадагы асбест булаларынын жана башка табигый жана жасалма минералдык булалардын курамын аныктоо горизонталдуу беттерде (мисалы, жолдордун жээгинде же башка беттерде) жайгашкан үлгүлөрдө чаң булаларынын бөлүкчөлөрү менен абанын булгануу потенциалын аныктоо үчүн олуттуу, салыштырмалуу аз эмгекти талап кылган жана арзан инструмент болуп саналат, бул бар же жок экендигин аныктоодо үзгүлтүксүз мониторинг жүргүзүү зарылчылыгын чечүү мүмкүнчүлүгүн берет. Ушуга байланыштуу, бул изилдөөнүн максаты эки шаардын горизонталдык бетине түшкөн чаңдын үлгүлөрүн чогултуу жана анализдөө болгон. Introduction. Asbestos is a general commercial term for two of the many existing groups of natural mineral fibres: the serpentinite group (chrysotile) and the amphibole group (actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, crocidolite and tremolite), which have common applications. Long-term exposure to asbes tos-containing dust generated during asbestos mining and enrichment, and during the production, use and disposal of asbestos-containing materials in uncontrolled conditions increases the risk of developing a number of serious diseases. An essential role in assessing the actual risks is played by assessing the potential for exposure, identifying the actual exposure to asbestos fibres, the type of asbestos and an objective assessment of the intensity of exposure. The most widely used methods for solving these problems are the determination of number concentrations of fibres in the air using optical phase-contrast microscopy, scanning and transmission microscopy with energy-dis persive microanalysis of the fibre type. The purpose of the work - analysis of dust samples settled on horizontal surfaces to identify the potential for air pollution by fibrous particles. Materials and methods. In the summer of 2024, a total of 28 dust samples were taken from horizontal surfaces in the cities of Bishkek (22 samples) and Kant (6 samples). Dust samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with microanalysis of the mineral composition of the samples, and by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results and discussion. The SEM method made it possible to analyze the samples in detail and conduct a mineralogical analysis of each of the objects identified during the study. In five dust samples - two (Bishkek) and three (Kant) fibers of chrysotile asbestos were found in a concentration of more than 0.01%. The chrysotile asbestos fibers were in a state bound to the cement matrix. No asbestos fibers of the amphibole group were detected or their content was less than 0.01%. In seven samples from Bishkek and three samples from Kant, man-made mineral fibers (MMF) were found, with dimensional characteristics close to the definition of “respirable fiber”. Conclusion. Air pollution monitoring methods are quite expensive, labor intensive and require highly qualified personnel. At the same time, only regular monitoring can provide an objective picture. One-time events to collect individual air samples cannot serve as a reliable source of information on the potential for exposure, the presence or absence of exposure to asbestos fibres (and/or other natural and man-made mineral fibres that can also have a negative influence on human health), the type of fibres them, and the inten sity of exposure. Thus, in the absence of data from previously performed regular monitoring of air pollution in the working area and/or atmospheric air of populated areas with fibrous particles, determining the content of asbe stos fibres and other natural and man-made mineral fibers settled from the air in samples of dust settled on horizontal surfaces (e.g., on roadsides or other surfaces) is a significant, relatively low-labor and inexpensive tool for identifying the potential for air pollution with fibrous particles, and allows decision making whether regular monitoring is necessary or not. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to collect and analyze samples of dust settled on horizontal surfaces in two cities.

Toxicity of size separated chrysotile fibres: The relevance of the macrophage-endothelial axis crosstalk.

Asbestosis is characterized by diffuse interstitial fibrosis in the lungs, which is caused by breathing asbestos fibers from the crystalline or amphibole groups. The diagnosis of asbestosis, a form of pneumoconiosis, is one of the seven steps in identifying an occupational lung disease. Because there is no known cure for this condition, early detection, prevention, and education of workers and anybody in their proximity who has a risk of asbestos fiber exposure is critical. Clinical symptoms of asbestosis include weight loss, decreased appetite, and dyspnea during exertion. Clubbing fingers, cyanosis, and tachypnea are all symptoms of severe asbestosis. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), histology, CT scans, HRCT, and respirometry can all help with the diagnosis. The "shaggy heart border sign" on a chest X-ray, along with the asbestos body observed in the BAL, is a reliable indicator of asbestosis. Because of the dismal prognosis and lifelong consequences, prevention is essential.

Diffuse interstitial fibrosis in the lungs is the hallmark of asbestosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers that come from the crystalline or amphibole group. The seven steps of diagnosing an occupational lung illness include the diagnosis of asbestosis, which is a subtype of pneumoconiosis. Since there is no known cure for this illness, early diagnosis, prevention, and education of workers and anyone in the vicinity who have risk factors for asbestos fiber exposure are crucial. Asbestosis's clinical symptoms include weight loss, reduced appetite, and dyspnea during activity. Clubbing fingers, cyanosis, and tachypnea are signs of advanced asbestosis. The diagnosis can be aided by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), histology, computed tomography scans (CT-scan), high resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and respirometry. A classic indicator of asbestosis is the "shaggy heart border sign" on the chest X-ray combined with the asbestos body seen in the BAL. Because of the poor prognosis and permanent sequelae, prevention is crucial.

The World Health Organization has confirmed that asbestos fibres are carcinogenic, claiming that asbestos-related diseases should be eradicated worldwide. Actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, chrysotile, crocidolite, and tremolite are regulated asbestiform mineral phases. However, in nature, asbestos minerals occur either in a fibrous and asbestiform (original morphology characterized by high length-to-width ratio and provided of high tensile strength and flexibility) or fibrous but not asbestiform appearance. This study used human epithelial cancer cells (A549) and a mouse fibroblast cell line (Balb/c 3T3) to compare the genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of a sample of amphibole asbestos with samples of fibrous not asbestiform named cleavage fragments (CV) obtained by grinding non-asbestiform amphiboles. The results showed that exposure of alveolar lung cells to asbestos and elongated mineral particles, in the habit of cleavage fragments (CF) derived from the grinding of non-asbestiform amphiboles and serpentines, causes cytotoxic effects, oxidative stress and genotoxic damage. Moreover, CF obtained from an actinolite schist induces a transformation effect in the Balb/c 3T3 model. Together, these findings highlight the importance of considering CF as a potential threat to human health since it can cause genotoxic damage by triggering cellular transformation processes that overlap with the mechanisms involved in the carcinogenesis processes of asbestos.

The author has developed a comprehensive operating procedure for asbestos analysis utilizing analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This methodology is designed to be technically thorough, scientifically rigorous, and legally defensible, ensuring the quality, integrity, and reproducibility of asbestos testing, particularly in talc-containing cosmetic products. Additionally, the author provides an essential resource: a comprehensive suite of d-spacing and interfacial angle look-up tables for the identification of regulated asbestos minerals and other relevant minerals. Furthermore, a dual-zone-axis selected area electron diffraction (SAED) method is proposed to enable unequivocal confirmation of amphibole asbestos, with a particular emphasis on anthophyllite.