| Agent Name |
Erionite |
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| CAS Number |
12510-42-8; 66733-21-9 |
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| Formula |
Al.Ca.30H2-O.K.Na.O5-Si2.O; Al2-O18-Si7.1/2Ca.7H2-O.1/2Na |
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| Major Category |
Mineral Dusts |
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| Category |
Fibrogenic Dusts |
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| Description |
White fibrous crystals; [NTP] |
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| Sources/Uses |
"Occupatonal exposures occur during mining, milling and processing of some zeolites as well as during agricultural work in areas in which soils are contaminated with erionite." [IARC] Zeolites are used in water softeners, detergents, cracking catalysts, adsorbents, desiccants, and solar collectors; [Hawley] Zeolites are used for "pet litter, soil conditioners, animal feed, waste-water treatment, gas absorbents, etc." Erionite deposits exist in Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah. [NTP] |
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| Comments |
Natural zeolites include analcite, chabazite, heulandite, natrolite, stilbite, and thomosonite. [Hawley] Erionite is one of about 40 natural zeolites, which are "hydrated aluminosilicates of the alkaline and alkaline-earth metals." Studies of Turkish villages with high dust exposures to erionite found increased incidence of mesotheliomas, and erionite fibers were found in lung tissue samples. Erionite causes mesothelioma in experimental mice and rats. [NTP] |
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| Restricted |
Erionite is no longer commercially mined; [NTP] |
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| Reference Link |
Prospective study of mesothelioma mortality in Turkish villages with exposure to fibrous zeolite. |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Not evaluated |
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| Reference Link |
NTP Substance Profiles: Erionite |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| IARC Carcinogen |
Known Carcinogen |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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