Trace Metals in Asbestos Carcinogenesis

Concentrations of trace metals judged potentially carcinogenic were determined in samples of amosite, crocidolite, and chrysotiie. The samples included commercial material as shipped, milled and processed material as collected in animal exposure chambers, and International Union Against Cancer (UICC) reference samples. The metals determined were cobalt, nickel, chromium, manganese, and iron. The samples were treated with hydrofluoric acid, the residue taken up with hydrochloric acid, and the determination made by atomic absorption spectrometry. Substantial enrichment of the dusts in nickel and chromium during milling and dissemination was found. Cobalt and nickel content was different from that in UICC samples.