ABSTRACT
Ten out of 12 South African baboons (Papio ursinus) survived exposure to amosite asbestos dust for periods ranging from 242 days to 898 days at an aerosol level ranging between 1,100 and 1,200 fibers per milliliter. After exposure, they were kept under observation until they died; the total residence time of amosite varied from 1.2-10.2 years. All underwent detailed postmortem necropsy examinations. All baboons had asbestosis. Five of the baboons developed malignant diffuse mesothelioma; three peritoneal, and two pleural with peritoneal invasion. These results indicate that amosite is highly carcinogenic. Since it is difficult to accomplish follow-up of persons exposed to amosite asbestos because of the geographic location of the amosite mines and mills in South Africa (a majority of the workers being migrant laborers from countries bordering on the Transvaal), it is therefore probable that cases of peritoneal mesothelioma have been missed. If human beings are likely to react to amosite as do baboons, epidemiological follow-up should include identification of abdominal as well as thoracic neoplasms.
Subject(s)
Asbestos, Amosite/adverse effects , Mesothelioma/etiology , Peritoneal Neoplasms/etiology , Pleural Neoplasms/etiology , Animals , Atmosphere Exposure Chambers , Dust , Environmental Exposure , Male , Mesothelioma/pathology , Papio , Peritoneal Neoplasms/pathology , Pleural Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
After receipt of urine samples which showed higher than normal levels of mercury (Hg) from workers at a large goldmine, air samples were taken at the mine's amalgamation plant. These showed not only values higher than the threshold limit for Hg in air but also significant quantities of Hg on the worker's overalls. Recommendations were made for improvements and when these were completed samples were again taken at the plant. The mean Hg level in urine samples had dropped to one-third of its original value and concentrations in air were very much reduced.
