Synopses & Reviews
This comprehensive sourcebook describes the chemical, physical, and mineralogical aspects of fibrous inorganic materials, both synthetic and naturally occurring. A general description of the fibrous state, the range of compounds that can adopt this form, and an overview of the characteristics unique to such materials form the backbone of the book . The authors also assess the application and use of asbestos and other fibrous materials in industry and evaluate their potential as health hazards. The information gathered here will be highly useful to medical investigators and legal professionals involved in environmental health.
Review
"A short (about 200 pp) text that introduces fibrous materials and their health effects. Special emphasis on, and strength in, describing the chemical/physical structure of asbestos and other inorganic fibers, and in addressing difficult definitional issues." --American Public Health Association Section Newsletter
"This book is unique in trying to shed light on a difficult and complex problem where disparate fields such as mineralogy, epidemiology, pathology, and statistics are involved....epitomizes the dilemma of our present-day society trying to improve the environment." --American Scientist
"An ambitious undertaking...authors have succeeded in producing a brief, readable account, supplemented with a substantial amount of reference material....recommended to geologists, physicians, health officials, and even members of the general public who are involved with or interested in this highly debatable subject." --American Mineralogist
"Information related to the interaction of mineral fibers and biologic materials is widely scattered through mineralogic, toxicologic, medical and epidemiologic publications. This book does an excellent job of bringing this disparate material together." --Chest
"Extensive bibliographies, appendices listing the natural and synthetic fibrous minerals and materials, together with a mineralogical and medical glossary, complete a professional overview of a serious problem." --Australian Mineral Foundation Informative Book Review
"This monograph may not only be useful for occupational professionals, it's worth reading also for all those, concerned with environmental health." --Arbeitsmedizin
Review
"A short (about 200 pp) text that introduces fibrous materials and their health effects. Special emphasis on, and strength in, describing the chemical/physical structure of asbestos and other inorganic fibers, and in addressing difficult definitional issues." --American Public Health Association Section Newsletter
"This book is unique in trying to shed light on a difficult and complex problem where disparate fields such as mineralogy, epidemiology, pathology, and statistics are involved....epitomizes the dilemma of our present-day society trying to improve the environment." --American Scientist
"An ambitious undertaking...authors have succeeded in producing a brief, readable account, supplemented with a substantial amount of reference material....recommended to geologists, physicians, health officials, and even members of the general public who are involved with or interested in this highly debatable subject." --American Mineralogist
"Information related to the interaction of mineral fibers and biologic materials is widely scattered through mineralogic, toxicologic, medical and epidemiologic publications. This book does an excellent job of bringing this disparate material together." --Chest
"Extensive bibliographies, appendices listing the natural and synthetic fibrous minerals and materials, together with a mineralogical and medical glossary, complete a professional overview of a serious problem." --Australian Mineral Foundation Informative Book Review
"This monograph may not only be useful for occupational professionals, it's worth reading also for all those, concerned with environmental health." --Arbeitsmedizin
Synopsis
Describes the chemical, physical, and mineralogical aspects of fibrous inorganic materials.
Table of Contents
PART I: What is an Inorganic Fiber? 1. Fibers and History
2. Definitions of Fiber
3. Nomenclature
4. The Properties of Inorganic Fibers
5. Classification of Inorganic Fibrous Materials
PART II: Fibrous Minerals and Synthetic Fibers
6. The Crystal Chemistry of Mineral Materials
7. Silicate and Aluminosilicate Minerals that Form Fibers
8. Asbestos
9. Other Chain Aluminosilicates that Form Fibers
10. Aluminosilicates with Sheet Structures that Form Fibers
11. Isolated Tetrahedra Silicates
12. Silica Minerals that are Fibrous
13. Fibers of Nonsilicate Minerals
14. MMVF or Glass Fibers
15. Whiskers
16. Carbon and Graphite Fibers
PART III: Health Effects of Inorganic Fibers
17. Historical Highlights and Perspectives
18. The Respiratory System
19. The Pleura
20. The Lymphatic System
21. Fiber Inhalation and Health Effects
22. Epidemiology of Exposure to Fibrous Materials