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Relative Mesothelioma Potencies for Unregulated Respirable Elongated Mineral and Synthetic Particles
Citation:
COOK, P. M. Relative Mesothelioma Potencies for Unregulated Respirable Elongated Mineral and Synthetic Particles. Presented at Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Board Seminar, Madison, WI, January 24, 2012.
Impact/Purpose:
To document research results
Description:
For decades uncertainties and contradictions have surrounded the issue of whether exposures to respirable elongated mineral and synthetic particles (REMPs and RESPs) present health risks such as those recognized for exposures to elongated asbestiform mineral particles from the five federally regulated types of asbestos. Dose-response Models for predicting relative potencies and risks for a broad range of human exposures to REMPs and RESPs have not been well developed and appear to produce contradictory predictions depending on the data and assumptions utilized. Epidemiological data are the basis for established asbestos fiber specific air standards for protection of human health but have uncertain applications for much needed prospective risk assessments for a broader array of exposures of concern. The complex mixtures of REMPs and RESPs associated with different dust materials and sources vary with respect to particle length, width, elongation/aspect ratio, crystal structure, surface area, mass, chemical composition, etc. Thus, derivation of more holistic dose response models based on asbestos associated health effects such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis requires development of quantitative structure activity relationships (QSARs) for REMPs and RESPs as accomplished for chemicals having a common mechanism of action but differing relative potencies. This presentation will conclude with comments on how these new findings may help reduce uncertainties and provide support for better extrapolations of human epidemiological data.