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Proceedings

Chrysotile Institute

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18/12/2008

You are invited to read the Chrysotile Institute’s latest News Letter for the conclusions of the Rotterdam Convention meetings held in Rome, Italy, October 2008.
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26/08/2008

Rotterdam Convention COP IV - Rome, Italy (Oct.27-31, 2008)

The Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, COP IV meetings, will be held in Rome, Italy, October 27-31, 2008. The Convention Secretariat has made available all relevant information in the past weeks.

10/01/2008

A review of the WHO’s document on the adverse health effects of exposure to asbestos and WHO's recommendations on the prevention of asbestos-related diseases

D.M. Bernstein*


	The vermiculite >>
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Chrysotile and asbestos amphiboles : two different fibre types

Chrysotile comes from the serpentine group, whereas the other fibre types, tremolite, amosite, crocidolite, actinolite and anthophyllite, are part of the amphiboles group. All these fibres are non-flammable. The major difference between chrysotile and amphiboles is related to its chemical composition, its acid-resistant properties and its effects on health. In contrast with amphiboles, Chrysotile does not persist in the lungs after inhalation; it is quickly eliminated by the body. A prolonged exposure to high concentrations of chrysotile fibres is required for a clinical manifestation of pulmonary damage to appear. In the past, such high exposures were frequent; it is no longer the case today. On the other hand, because of their toxicity and their high biopersistence, amphiboles are mainly responsible for mesothelioma and pulmonary deceases even caused after a short or moderate exposure. Today, chrysotile is the only asbestos fibre commercialized.

Volume 7, Number 2, December 2008

Chrysotile will not be included in the Rotterdam Convention

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