Answer:
Yes, the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
conducted a review of the health effects of inhalation of
nonasbestiform amphiboles. The agency determined (Federal
Register, v. 57, no. 10, June 8, 1992, p. 24310) that
“available evidence supports a conclusion that exposure to
nonasbestiform cleavage fragments is not likely to produce a
significant risk of developing asbestos-related disease.”
Breathing high levels of asbestos fibers for a long time can
lead to an increased risk of asbestosis, lung cancer, and
mesothelioma. Asbestosis is a noncancerous lung disease
related to scarring of the lungs. This disease occurs in
people heavily exposed to asbestos in the workplace and in
household contacts of asbestos workers. Lung cancer is a
relatively common form of cancer, which has been linked to
smoking and a variety of occupational exposures. Cigarette
smoking significantly increases the risk of lung cancer for
people exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of
the membranes lining the lungs, chest, and abdominal cavity.
Almost all cases are linked to occupational asbestos
exposure. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually
appear until 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to
asbestos.
Particle shape, particle solubility, and duration of
exposure are reported to be the three most important factors
that determine lung damage. Many researchers believe that
amphibole asbestos particles pose a greater risk than
chrysotile particles because they are less soluble and more
rigid than chrysotile, allowing the amphibole asbestos
particles to penetrate lung tissue and remain longer.
