Identification of asbestos fibres from soil sediments in the Pilsen region of the Czech Republic and the impact of these minerals on the health of the local population

Abstract

Asbestos is the term for silicate minerals with a typical fibrous structure that crystallises as separable fibres that can be released into the environment due to natural processes and anthropogenic activities. There is a need to intensify geo-environmental monitoring of the occurrence of natural asbestos on a global scale. The study of this material is essential to clarify the impact of asbestos on public health and to have an accurate knowledge of the requirements for asbestos replacement materials. The technical and ecological reasons for switching to these fibres are complex, as asbestos replacement materials are subject to considerable technological and economicdemands, as well as demands for their biological safety. The main objective of this paper is to establish a suitable methodology for detecting asbestos in soil sediments and accurately identify the different types from a range of samples. Samples were analysed by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction and compared with standards or available literature. The measurements demonstrated the presence of asbestos in the site sediments and identified specific types of asbestos. The conclusion of this work is confirming the presence of asbestos in all samples, including its most dangerous types, which can cause severe diseases. In this context, the mechanism of asbestos-related diseases will be further addressed, which is linked to the size and shape of the individual fibres, the chemical composition of the asbestos types and the links between their basic structural units.