Earth Materials and Human-Environmental Health Flashcards
List and describe some of the main carcinogenic minerals and gases commonly encountered in society.
Asbestos: Fibrous minerals (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite) that can penetrate and damage lung tissue.
Erionite: Fibrous zeolite found in gravels, associated with a high risk of mesothelioma.
Silica dust: Respirable crystalline silica, associated with lung diseases like silicosis.
Radon: Daughter product of uranium and radium decay, a leading natural cause of lung cancer.
Arsenic: Highly toxic element that can cause various health issues, including cancers and liver damage.
Explain the geological origin of environmentally hazardous minerals.
Asbestos: Metamorphism of mafic rocks forms serpentine, where asbestos veins occur.
Erionite: Occurs in gravels, not mined, associated with road construction.
Silica dust: Produced through chipping, cutting, drilling, or grinding rocks rich in quartz.
Radon: Rocks high in uranium (granites, black shales, coals) produce significant radon.
Arsenic: Transported in the environment under various conditions, found in geothermal systems and contaminated groundwater.
Understand the use of these minerals with reference to their physical and chemical properties.
Asbestos: Globally used in cement products, guttering, vehicle brakes, textiles. In New Zealand, used for house insulation, vinyl floor tiles, pipe covers, etc. (now banned).
Erionite: Not mined but occurs in gravels, affecting road construction.
Silica dust: Produced during various activities like mining, construction, masonry, sandblasting. Associated with lung diseases.
Radon: Found in houses, mines, and certain hot spring areas. Proper ventilation reduces the risk.
Arsenic: Historically used in chromated copper arsenic (CCA) timber, banned for residential use in some countries.
