July 9, 2008 – Recently, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has issued a revised draft of its research document, “Asbestos Fibers and Other Elongated Mineral Particles: State of the Science and Roadmap for Research,” and has asked for public comments on the report.

The report intends to address issues relating to occupational exposure and toxicity of asbestos fibers and other elongated mineral particles (EMPs). Addressing the unknowns and uncertainties about these minerals is part of the report as well.

According to the report, “because of the complexity in the mineralogy, the scientific literature has various inconsistencies and inconclusive evidence, which have led to uncertainties in identifying and applying the term asbestos for health and regulatory purposes.”

In addition to identifying these uncertainties, the document intends to specify the types of research that can address these issues.

Research on asbestos-related topics is crucial for the development of future findings of this deadly substance. Once asbestos fibers are released and inhaled into the body, they attach to the linings of the lungs and are reluctant to break down. Over time, these fibers can lead to illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Asbestosis is a pulmonary lung disease that is progressive and can develop into more serious forms of cancer. Mesothelioma can affect the lungs (pleural), heart (pericardial), and abdomen (peritoneal).

NIOSH believes the document is the first step in the process of solving asbestos-related problems. The agency also endeavors to partner up with other federal agencies and stakeholders to further and enhance research in the field of asbestos classification.

NIOSH is currently asking for comments on several specific points, including the following aspects that have been changed in response to earlier public and peer comments.

• Discussion of particle characteristics and their potential influence on biological responses to particle exposure.
• Toxicological research on asbestos and other elongated mineral particles.
• Epidemiological studies of workers exposed to elongated mineral particles.
• Capabilities and limitations of current equipment used to identify elongated mineral particles.
• Clarification of current recommended exposure limits for airborne asbestos fibers, as well as clarification of the definition to include “asbestos fibers and related elongated mineral particles.” (Essentially, a reclassification to include asbestos-like particles as well as asbestos itself.)
• Discussion of strategies to improve public policies.
• Discussion of clinical issues and recommendations for clinical research.

Once the comment period is over, a final draft will be created and NIOSH will seek independent scientific review through the National Academies. The document will be used to inform and help direct national research relating to asbestos and other EMPs.

By Jensen Whitmer

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 9th, 2008 at 12:29 pm and is filed under Asbestos Exposure, Asbestos Legislation, Mesothelioma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.