In the last decades, there has been increasing interest in Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) and asbestos containing materials (ACMs) as a source of possible environmental risk. A crucial theme of interest related to environmental pollution is the enhanced mobilization of asbestos minerals affecting soils and rocks due to human activities (e.g., road construction, mining activity) in comparison with natural weathering processes. The volume has aimed to gather contributions and to compare results derived from various experiences of research groups regarding NOA minerals as a source of possible environmental risks for population. Case studies from various geological contexts are presented. Moreover, contributions presenting novel and classical approaches for ACM inertization and recycling, together with possible solutions for reducing asbestos exposure, has been also presented.

- Key points - Introduction - What are asbestos and man-made mineral fibres? - Where are these materials used? - What are the risks to health? - How to identify and assess materials containing mineral fibres - How to manage fibrous materials in buildings - Advice on problems involving asbestos - Disposal of asbestos waste - Common questions and answers

Presented here are recent data on the mechanisms of action of different dusts and fibres of industrial interest. Emphasis is placed on the use of cell and organ culture and lavage cell populations obtained from man and laboratory animals to elucidate cellular and molecular events occurring after their interaction with fibrous and non-fibrous particulates including metal compounds. In four sections, the volume provides research findings in the following areas: - Cellular and Metabolic Changes Caused by Mineral Dusts - Molecular Changes and DNA Alterations Produced by Mineral Dusts - In Vivo Dust-Related Pathological Processes. Correlations Between in Vitro and in Vivo Data - Physico-Chemical Properties of Minerals in Relation to Their Biological Effects.

Technical Organic and Inorganic Fibres from Natural Resources focuses on recent advances in the synthesis, processing, characterization, and application of non-textile fibers. The book provides a general introduction to the uses of natural fibers in technical textile applications while also reviewing the latest technical methods for producing these high-performance materials. As the textile industry is focused on finding alternative green fibers with the aim of providing high quality products which are fully recyclable and biodegradable, natural fibers from renewable sources play an increasingly important role in the industry due to their unique properties and functionality. - Covers the full range of fibers from natural sources, including organic materials like chitosan as well as inorganic ones like carbon nanofibers - Includes an overview of EPA regulations on hazardous natural fibers - Industry case studies are provided throughout to explain production methods and applications

What are the carcinogenic risks to the general population from environmental exposure to mineral fibers? The international contributors to this volume focus on this question, and offer the perspectives of different fields of investigation: industrial hygiene, toxicology, epidemiology, and the study of short- and long-term effects. The papers reflect the increasing concern over the potential hazard from exposure to asbestos and other fibers to individuals outside known danger areas such as industrial sites. Major emphasis is given to the problem of assessing effects of exposure to very low levels of airborn fibers and to the reliability of extrapolating risk estimates from a dose-response based on high levels of exposure. Contents include experimental data on the carcinogenic effects of mineral fibers and their mechanism of action, fiber level measurements in the lung and their correlation with air samples, methods of determining airborn levels, epidemiological data on the hazards of non-occupational exposure, and problems of risk evaluation.

Natural fibres are becoming increasingly popular for use in industrial applications, providing sustainable solutions to support technical innovation. These versatile, natural based materials have applications in a wide range of industries, from textiles and consumer products to the automotive and construction industries. Industrial Applications of Natural Fibres examines the different steps of processing, from natural generation, fibre separation and fibre processing, to the manufacturing of the final product. Each step is linked to fibre properties and characterization, highlighting how different fibres influence the product properties through a discussion of their chemical and structural qualities. Considering the value-added chain from natural generation to final product, with emphasis on quality management, this book reviews the current research and technical applications of natural fibres. Topics covered include: Introduction to the Chemistry and Biology of Natural Fibres Economic Aspects of Natural Fibres Vegetable Fibres Animal Fibres Testing and Quality Management Applications: Current and Potential Industrial Application of Natural Fibres will be a valuable resource for scientists in industry and academia interested in the development of natural based materials and products. It is particularly relevant for those working in chemical engineering, sustainable chemistry, agricultural sciences, biology and materials sciences.

"This publication represents the views and expert opinions of an IARC working group on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, which met in Lyon, 9-16 October 2001."