Exposition gegenüber künstlichen Mineralfasern: Versuch einer Zusammenfassung der verfügbaren Informationen zu möglichen Gesundheitsrisiken

Asbestos associated occupational diseases sensitised both industry and regulators to the possibility that man-made mineral fibres could have a similar risk potential. The RCF industry has initiated a great deal of research including several animal studies and epidemiological surveys. In the largest series of animal experiments RCF produced lung and mesothelial tumours and some fibrosis. The key factors determining any risk from man-made mineral fibres are the size and number of fibres reaching the lung, and their ability to persist in tissue. An important reason for the disease in the RCF animal studies were non-fibrous particles in the dust. However, for the quantification of animal exposure the non-fibrous particles had been ignored; they were only of importance at very high doses inhibiting the clearance of the lungs. Recently standardised tests for determining the biopersistence of fibres have been developed and have regulatory status. Less persistent fibres are being manufactured but the control of exposure is still central to the safe use of fibrous materials.