Plant derived natural products and medicinal herbs have recently gain more attention as therapeutic agents to treat various ailments. The current study aims to explore the potential role of C. papaya's natural intervention in reducing the asbestos-induced pulmonary damage. A total of 32 male albino rats were grouped into NC, PC, STD (Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/kg), and C.P (500 mg/kg) groups, having eight animals in each group. Experimental units from the PC were exposed to asbestos fibers in a glass chamber for 2-3 h daily. Biological tissues for histopathology were preserved in formalin, lung tissue for qRT-PCR was immersed in TRIzol, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for protein analysis, and serum was separated for oxidative biomarkers. Data was analyzed by the ANOVA and Tukey's test, and GraphPad Prism (v 8.0) was used for graphical representation. Results of the study revealed that after treatment, serum antioxidant markers were significantly enhanced in the C.P group (p ≤ 0.05), whereas oxidative markers were reduced significantly in the C.P group (p ≤ 0.05). Markers of protein analysis from BALF and wet-to-dry ratio increased in the PC group, but a significant decline was seen in the C.P group (p ≤ 0.05). Results of qRT-PCR showed upregulation of oxidative response pathway molecules and apoptotic markers in PC such as NRF1, DUOX, DUOXA1, DUOXA2, BAX, BID, CASP9, CYT-C, and NFE-2 L2. Parallel to this, an elevated response from antioxidant markers and calcium homeostasis regulators was seen in the C.P-treated group. Microscopic insights revealed normal parenchyma of the lung and trachea in the NC group, which was worsened with thickened airways, fibrotic alveolar walls, and lodged fibers of asbestos seen in the tissue samples of the PC group. Treatment with C. papaya revealed a restored histopathological profile with better alveolar architecture and mitigated effects of asbestos fibers. The results of this study suggest that C. papaya exhibits strong antioxidant potential to mitigate oxidative stress caused by inorganic source.

Asbestos that occurs in the environment and has not been extracted for commercial purposes is commonly referred to as Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA). Research has shown a higher-than-expected incidence of mesothelioma in populations residing near NOA sites across California, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Corsica, and New Caledonia. In Italy, in the area around Pollino Massif (Basilicata region), a total of 124 mesothelioma cases were documented among population living in the villages of Castelluccio Superiore and Inferiore, Lauria, Latronico, Episcopia, San Severino Lucano, and Francavilla in Sinni. In this work for the first time, we report the morphological and chemical structural characterization of asbestos tremolite samples from the NOA outcrops in the Pollino area (Basilicata region). The detailed sample characterization has been attained by using a multi-analytical approach (EMP, SEM-EDS, TEM-EDS, Mössabuer, X-ray powder diffraction, and thermal analysis). Morphological investigation highlighted that a significant fraction of each sample (ca. 50%) consists of long fibres (> 5µm) having width below 0.25µm, considered the most carcinogenic fibres. Additionally, all asbestos samples showed the presence of Fe at the octahedral sites of the tremolite structure. This is relevant from the toxicological point of view because the presence of Fe in thefibre structure is a critical factor in asbestos pathogenicity. Obtained results provide a solid foundation for better understanding the potential health risks associated with asbestos tremolite in the Pollino Massif area. They also highlight the importance of constant monitoring and risk assessment to protect local communities from asbestos exposure.

Asbestos exposure is a well-established cause of malignant mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases, and quantifying inorganic fiber lung burden is crucial in forensic and medico-legal contexts for attributing disease causality. However, data on background asbestos exposure and chronological trends in the general population remain limited. This study analyzed autopsy lung tissue samples from 81 individuals (38 males, 43 females) from Northern Italy who died between 2001 and 2024, all with no documented history of occupational or environmental asbestos exposure. Inorganic fibers, including asbestos and nonasbestos types, were counted and characterized using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and concentrations were normalized per gram of dry lung tissue. Asbestos fibers were detected in 22.2% of cases, predominantly tremolite/actinolite, with higher concentrations observed in males. Ferruginous bodies were present in 17.3% of samples. Notably, asbestos lung content demonstrated a significant decline over time: only 9.5% of individuals born after 1946 had detectable asbestos fibers, compared to 35.9% of those born before 1946 (p < 0.05). Nonasbestos fibers, mainly talc, other phyllosilicates, and titanium dioxide, were also identified but did not show clear chronological trends. These findings indicate a marked decrease in asbestos lung burden in the general population, likely reflecting the effectiveness of asbestos bans. Current background levels are substantially lower than historical thresholds used for disease attribution, highlighting the need to revise reference values to ensure accurate causal attribution of asbestos-related diseases in forensic practice.

Identification method of asbestiform mineral particles and cleavage fragments in the lung: Regulated and unregulated amphiboles.

A causal association between occupational asbestos exposure and lung disease, including pneumoconiosis and mesothelioma, is well established. Elevated mortality among former asbestos miners is expected. However, large-scale South African studies examining all-cause mortality in this population are lacking. We assessed all-cause mortality among former asbestos miners recorded in the Asbestos and Kgalagadi Relief Trusts' Inyosi database. All-cause standard mortality ratios (SMRs) and crude mortality rates (CMRs) were calculated for 11,343 ex-miners. Mortality predictors were modeled using Cox regression analysis, and mortality trends were assessed by examining annual all-cause CMRs and SMRs over the 20-year study period. The cohort's all-cause mortality exceeded that of the general population by 4% (SMR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01-1.07), with excess mortality confined to women (SMR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.09-1.25). Increasing ILO radiographic profusion category strongly predicted mortality, with adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) ranging from 1.13 (95% CI: 1.05-1.23) to 2.42 (95% CI: 1.58-3.71). Severely reduced lung function was also associated with increased risk, including forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity z-scores below -3.0 (aHR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.41-1.81 and aHR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.12-1.42, respectively). Additional predictors included body mass index less than 18.5 kg/m² (aHR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.36-1.58) and previous smoking (aHR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.35-1.53). SMRs declined over time. Radiological and spirometric indicators were key predictors of mortality. These findings support risk stratification and targeted interventions, particularly early management of respiratory complications and smoking cessation, to reduce mortality. The excess female mortality highlights the occupational hazards of aboveground asbestos activities, gender‑specific work practices, and insufficient control measures in this setting. Although standardized mortality was only modestly elevated, interpretation was limited by incomplete data.

This paper aims to comprehensively investigate the content of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in 11 tremolite samples to better understanding of their potential effects on human health. Accurate characterization of trace element concentrations in asbestos mineral fibers is crucial to elucidate their potential synergistic contribution to the mechanisms of asbestos‐induced carcinogenesis and related pathologies, particularly in light of the documented involvement of elements such as Ni and Cr in the etiology of lung cancer. Samples were collected from diverse geological settings: San Severino Lucano and Iacolinei (Basilicata region, South Italy), Val Malenco (Lombardy region, North Italy), Praborna and Verrayes (Aosta Valley, North Italy), Monastero di Lanzo, Bracchiello, Caprie (Piedmont region, North Italy), Reventino (Calabria region, South Italy), Campolungo (Ticino Alps, Swiss), and Fowler (St. Lawrence Co., New York, USA). PTEs concentrations were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. The distribution of PTEs among different tremolite types was compared and discussed to provide a comprehensive overview of the data set.Tremolite asbestos samples showed variable concentrations of trace elements, with Mn (691.5 ppm) and Ni (474.2 ppm) being the most abundant. Samples from Monastero di Lanzo exhibited the highest total PTEs content (4,709 ppm). Statistical analyses revealed a consistent geochemical contrast: asbestos tremolite is systematically enriched in Mn and Ni, leading to higher overall PTEs levels, while prismatic tremolite is defined by very low Mn–Ni contents. The observed elemental variability reflects distinct geological settings that influence PTEs incorporation and potentially affect toxicity.

Pleural mesothelioma (PM) usually occurs many years after asbestos fiber exposure; yet the mechanisms that convert chronic damage into malignancy remain unclear. Asbestos fibers induce persistent oxidative and genomic stress that should activate apoptosis via mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). MOMP normally triggers cytochrome c (cyt c) release as well as mitochondrially derived damaged-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) resulting in downstream caspase activation which leads to DNA damage and cell death. With sublethal activation, a phenomenon known as a 'Incomplete or Minority MOMP (mMOMP)' occurs in which the cell survives the damage enabling retention and propagation of somatic mutations. We tested whether prolonged asbestos fiber exposure drives mMOMP in the mesothelial cells, MeT-5A. After culturing the cells for six months with chrysotile asbestos fibers (Chry-Asb) or crocidolite asbestos fibers (Croc-Asb), we observed an increase in clonogenicity, migration, and invasion, suggesting that transformation to a malignant-like phenotype was occurring. Next, we found increases in ROS production, cyt c release, and γH2AX phosphorylation without activation of caspase-3 and apoptotic induction. These cellular features are consistent with mMOMP. Additionally, an anti-apoptotic, mitochondrial protein, Myeloid Cell Leukemia (MCL)-1 was upregulated by asbestos and enabled mMOMP by preventing MOMP. Furthermore, we observed that asbestos-induced mMOMP was associated with features of drug-tolerant persister cells (DTPs). mMOMP facilitates avoidance of apoptosis by mesothelial cells while acquiring malignant traits. Our study indicates that mMOMP is a mechanism that promotes carcinogenesis, mitochondrial changes, and metabolic reprogramming. These findings offer a foundation for future therapeutic investigations.

HighlightsWhat are the main findings?A fully automated system that integrates air sampling, fluorescent staining, fluorescence microscopy, and AI-assisted fiber recognition was developed for detecting airborne asbestos fibers.Automated measurements can be completed within a 30-min cycle (20 min for sampling and approximately 10 min for staining and detection) without manual microscopic observation.What are the implications of the main findings?Conventional methods relying on manual sampling and electron microscopy are complex and time-consuming, hindering continuous automated monitoring of airborne asbestos.The novel approach provides a practical framework for the environmental surveillance of airborne asbestos and marks significant progress toward next-generation automated asbestos monitoring systems.Despite regulations restricting asbestos use in many developed countries, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) persist in aging buildings and can release airborne fibers during demolition and renovation. Therefore, continuous monitoring of airborne asbestos fibers is essential for environmental safety and exposure assessment. Fluorescence microscopy (FM) with fluorescently labeled asbestos-binding proteins offers greater sensitivity and selectivity in detection compared with conventional phase contrast microscopy (PCM). However, its practical application is limited by manual sample preparation and microscopic observations. This study introduces the conceptual design and initial development of an automated FM-based sensing system for monitoring airborne asbestos fibers. The system was constructed by modifying a commercial PM2.5 continuous air sampling platform and integrating automated fluorescent staining, FM imaging, and AI-assisted image analysis for fiber recognition and counting. The system automatically reports airborne asbestos concentrations with corresponding fluorescence images and advances the membrane filter to enable continuous measurements. Performance evaluation using pulverized ACMs showed an overall agreement within 14.1% with PCM–scanning electron microscopy measurements at the group level. Although variability was observed at low fiber concentrations owing to stochastic sampling effects, the results validate the feasibility of automated FM-based sensing for continuous environmental monitoring of airborne asbestos fibers.

The cohort of chrysotile cohort workers from Quebec was established in the 1960s. It remains one of the most influential investigations into health risk of chrysotile asbestos. The cohort principally relies on measurements of asbestos-containing dust via impingers (as million particles per cubic foot of inhaled air, mpcf) for exposure assessment, though counts of fibers (fibers per cubic centimeter of inhaled air, longer than 5 µm with aspect ratio greater than 3:1 f/cm3) are more toxicologically relevant. To develop an empirical model that predicts exposure to fibers as a function of dust levels and workplace in chrysotile asbestos mining operations in Quebec. The model is intended to be used in re-analysis of epidemiologic data that accounts for measurement error in exposure. We obtained a copy of 623 individual parallel measurements of dust and fibers collected in Quebec in the 1970s and their contextual information. We fitted mixed-effects linear models that predict fiber concentrations as a function of the counts of dust particles, with random effect of sampling site. To evaluate the general model performance, we conducted a 10-fold cross-validation. Fiber concentrations ranged from 0.06 to 307 f/cm3. Dust counts ranged from 0.04 to 9.12 mpcf. The average fiber-to-dust ratio of (f/cm3)/mpcf) was 12 (SD 16, median 7), ranging from 0.07 to 227. We estimated a positive association between logarithms of fiber and dust counts, which is not materially affected by adjustment for workplaces. The model with the logarithms of dust levels per se explained 24% of between-site variance and 12% of within-site variance in the logarithms of fiber concentrations. The average cross-validated R2 was 68%. We confirmed observations that the ratio of fibers to dust counts of chrysotile asbestos is not constant but depends on a variety of work characteristics, including the number of dust particles. Our results are consistent with similar analyses conducted by others. However, we could not access all side-by-side impinger and fiber measurements that existed based on published reports, and available measurements do not cover all the times and workplaces where members of the cohort of Quebec millers and miners were exposed to chrysotile. Our models of exposure to fibers have a general form that adheres to multiplicative Berkson-type error. We cannot rule out the dependence of this error on risk of health outcomes. We conclude that it is possible to calibrate impinger counts of dust to the fiber concentrations in the air for chrysotile asbestos mined and processed in Quebec in the 1970s and quantify the associated uncertainty.

Polarized light microscopy analysis is a powerful qualitative technique for the identification and confirmation of unknown particles. This technique has been one of the primary diagnostic tools for the identification of asbestos minerals in building materials. Additionally, polarized light microscopy has been employed to identify asbestos minerals in naturally occurring matrices such as soil, talc ore, and vermiculite. Identifying asbestos in these matrices can be challenging due to the nature of the non-homogenous makeup of the material and the potentially extremely low concentrations of asbestos that may be present if asbestos is present at all. The presence of interference minerals increases the difficulty of accurately identifying asbestos minerals in these matrices. Digital images of optical properties have become standard in legal matters in providing proof of positive identification of asbestos in talc. Recently, there has been an increase in the identification of talc particles as chrysotile asbestos in talc-based consumer products. Suboptimal illumination of a talc plate or talc cleavage ribbon on edge when recording central stop dispersion staining colors can force the refractive indices of talc to be identified as chrysotile asbestos. This manipulation of illumination has implications in toxicology, materials science, industrial hygiene, risk assessment, and epidemiology. Ensuring precise mineral identification is critical in legal contexts to address health concerns accurately and determine liability correctly.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills are seldom regarded as potential sources of airborne mineral fibres, notwithstanding the possible presence of legacy asbestos-containing materials within mixed waste streams. Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres is well established as causally associated with severe adverse health outcomes, prompting stringent regulatory measures across the European Union, most recently reinforced by Directive (EU) 2023/2668 amending Directive 2009/148/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to asbestos exposure. This study presents systematic annual monitoring of airborne mineral fibres (MinFib), including asbestos fibres (AsbFib), conducted between 2019 and 2025 at an MSW landfill in the Czech Republic. Personal air sampling targeted heavy equipment operators as the most exposed occupational group and was conducted in accordance with established occupational hygiene principles. Fibre identification and quantification were carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX) according to accredited laboratory internal standard operating procedures (SOPs). Across all monitoring campaigns, asbestos fibre concentrations remained below the analytical detection limits, including during handling of asbestos-containing materials. However, the analytical sensitivity appears to be within the range relevant to the current EU occupational exposure limit (0.01 fibres/cm3), potentially limiting the ability to identify very low-level exposures. These findings indicate that occupational exposure under routine operational conditions was below analytical detection limits, suggesting a low exposure potential. However, non-detectable results should be interpreted as method-limited rather than as indicating that exposure did not occur. Continued monitoring using more sensitive analytical approaches is therefore warranted.

The article explores physical and mechanical properties of a structural and thermal insulation composition based on a high–strength anhydrite binder prepared on the basis of fluorohydrite, waste from the production of hydrofluoric acid, ex-panded perlite sand and chrysotile asbestos fiber of 7-370 grade from the Bazhenov deposit. 3% aqueous solution of sodi-um phosphate Na3PO4 was used to activate the processes of anhydrite binder structure formation. Expanded perlite sand with average grain size of up to 1 mm was used as an ultralight filler. The microstructure studies and X-ray diffraction analysis showed the presence of a physical and chemical interaction between two-water calcium sulfate and particles of expanded perlite sand, which provides an increase in the physical and mechanical characteristics of the developed material due to the formation of a dense structure of the anhydrite matrix. Crystalline hydrates in the interphase zone at the bounda-ry of the anhydrite binder and particles of expanded perlite sand, in combination with short-fiber asbestos, additionally provide improved physico-mechanical properties of the composition. The applied methods of physico-chemical analysis, including thermal analysis, IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), identified the structure and interphase interactions between the components of the fluorohydrite composition. The developed composition can serve as a cheap substitute for gypsum in the production of "warm plaster", plasterboard, partition blocks, wall blocks, in the manufacture of architectural details by mold casting, as well as performing thermal insulation of walls in frame construction, including filling for cavity wall construction.

Asbestos is an inexpensive material and an effective reinforcing fiber. Asbestos-cement structures are characterized by strength and fire resistance. The flame-retardant properties of asbestos are well known. The durability of the brake linings depends on the reinforcing material used. Road traffic is safer with asbestos-containing brake linings. Evaluation of asbestos-related health risks has been partly based on past experience when the content of asbestos fibers in the workplace air was higher. Fibers are present in the environment as a result of erosion of surface deposits and human activities unrelated to the asbestos industry. If searched purposefully, fibers are often found at autopsies. Results of many studies are more or less biased. When fibers are detected, mesothelioma or lung cancer is sometimes classified as asbestos-related, although the causal relationship remains unproven. Some studies rely on unverified anamnesis on professional or domestic contact with asbestos. Reliable data can be obtained in experiments with recording the average life duration of animals. Different types of asbestos have their technical advantages and preferred applications. Road traffic is safer with asbestos-containing brake linings. Asbestos-cement constructions are durable and inexpensive. Fire-resistant properties of asbestos are well known. It can be reasonably assumed that non-use of asbestos-containing brake linings, fire-resistant and insulating materialswill lead to increased damage from road accidents and fires.

Deteriorating asbestos-cement (AC) roofs in urban areas pose environmental and public health risks from carcinogenic asbestos fibers. Accurate identification of these structures is crucial for hazard assessment and mitigation strategies. This study compared four supervised classification algorithms for AC roof detection using multispectral remote sensing data: Minimum Distance (MiD), Mahalanobis Distance (MhD), Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM), and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The dataset includes RGB, four- and eight-band multispectral, and hyperspectral images from an urban test site. Using ENVI® software, each classifier's performance was assessed across five land cover classes: AC, steel roofs, clay roofs, roads, and vegetation. A key novelty is the comparative analysis of these methods across a multi-scale dataset. High spatial resolution (0.18m RGB and four-band imagery) achieved overall accuracies of 95% and 96%, respectively. Results indicate that readily available optical data with high spatial detail can outperform spectrally richer but coarser-resolution (1.2m) satellite data in accuracy. This study emphasizes the discriminatory power of visible-near-infrared (VNIR) spectral information for AC identification across image types, contrasting with literature that relies on costly Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) data. This finding suggests a more accessible pathway for AC roof detection, beneficial for low- and middle-income countries transitioning from asbestos. A conceptual digital twin framework for urban roofing is proposed, offering authorities a tool to monitor AC roof remediation and curb illicit removal in low-to middle-income economies.

Cause-specific mortality among workers in asbestos mining and enrichment factories (Asbest Chrysotile Cohort Study) compared with the general population of Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russian Federation

Monitoring outdoor concentrations of airborne asbestos in urban and residential areas in the four major cities of Denmark: Copenhagen, Odense, Aarhus and Aalborg.

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

Multi-omic screening for pleural mesothelioma in Asbestos-Exposed Populations: A literature review and Recommendations.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to create an advanced brake pad employing hemp fiber in order to minimize the health risks associated with the cancer‐causing properties of asbestos fibers. Laminated plates were created using the hand lay‐up technique, combining hemp fibre reinforcement with an epoxy resin polymer matrix and using a frictional modifier Aluminum oxide powder as filler. These plates exhibit outstanding tensile strength and are sustainable for the environment. The fabrication process involved two unique categories of hemp fibers: untreated hemp fibers and hemp fibers treated with NaOH. The resin was used in a concentration of 60 wt.%, while the reinforcement was used in a concentration of 40 wt.%. The morphology, tensile strength, and flexural strength of laminates were analyzed after fabrication. Furthermore, a study was conducted on the braking time of an optimal low‐speed vehicle with a power rating of 250 W. The findings indicate that both the tensile and flexural strength exhibited an increase in the chemically treated samples compared to the untreated samples. In addition, there were no significant differences in the braking time for both types of samples, which fell within the range of 30–35 s. The findings of this study intend to offer significant insights into the utilization of hemp fiber reinforced polymer composites as an environmentally sustainable alternative, effectively meeting performance criteria in brake pad applications while addressing environmental issues.

The Danish asbestos executive order defines a range of situations and work processes that require no protective measures, due to an assumption of low dust generation and therefore negligible exposure to asbestos fibers. The purpose of the study was to investigate the exposure of workers performing tasks where low dust generation is assumed, as well as those in direct proximity. Five roof renovation projects, one facade removal project, and one removal project of whole pipes with intact asbestos insulation were included in the study. A total of 52 personal samples and 33 stationary samples were collected. The asbestos fiber concentrations measured in personal samples ranged from below the detection limit to 0.13 f/cm3 (fibers/cm3). Despite the large spread between projects, the measured concentrations of asbestos fibers in 45 of the 52 personal samples were above the Danish occupational exposure limit value (OEL) of 0.003 f/cm3. The concentration of asbestos fibers in 20 of 33 stationary samples was also above the Danish OEL. The results of personal and stationary measurements suggest that any work with asbestos-containing materials may be associated with a significant risk of exposure above the OEL and, thus, should not be considered a low-dust-generating process without measurements.