Chemical name: Asbestos, crocidolite, Trimagnesium;disodium;dihydroxy(oxo)silane;iron(3+) Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Industrial Final regulatory action: The chemical is Banned Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action: All uses of crocidolite are banned Use or uses that remain allowed: None The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: No Summary of the final regulatory action: Crocidolite is carcinogenic in humans. Therefore all uses of crocidolite and its products are prohibited. The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health Summary of known hazards and risks to human health: Chronic Toxicity: IARC group I: sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity to humans. Inhalation can cause fibrosis of the lung (asbestosis), bronchial carcinoma, mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum, and possibly cancers at other sites. Extra risk for mesothelioma: 10-4 at life-time exposure to 500 fibres/m3. Epidemiological data: Case-control studies, in employees at plants manufacturing asbestos cement products, showed a relationship between duration of employment and risk of mesothelioma especially from crocidolite. A strong correlation between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos (mostly crocidolite) was found in mine workers (Western Australia) and in gas masks makers. In an asbestos factory (East London 1933-1980) mesotheliomas and lung cancer rates showed a dose response relationship and were related to duration of employment. Occupational/Use: Main exposure sources are the handling, processing and disposal of dry asbestos or asbestos containing products, where fibres are released into the air. The highest concentrations measured during mining and industrial handling were 800 x 106 fibres/m3, but were without any means of dust suppression. During home construction and renovation up to 10 x 106 fibres/m3 have been recorded. Exposure limits: USA, 200,000 fibres/m3 (TLV, 8-hr TWA); EEC 500,000 fibres/m3 for fibre length >5 /um. Environment: concentrations in air: near mills, mines and industrial sites up to 600,000 fibres/m3, at urban locations 10,000 fibres/m3. In water concentrations up to 100x106 fibres/l have been found. Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/01/2001 |