Hygienic aspects of the production of asbestos substitutes

Due to the high level aggressiveness of asbestos, more attempts have been made in the recent years to replace asbestos by other artificial mineral fibres. In this connection, the labour conditions were studied in the basalt and carbon fibres processing sites. The major occupational hazards of these sites included basalt and carbon fibres dusts, heating microclimate in some working zones and physical overload. An intratracheal experiment revealed a lower degree of fibrinogenicity of the basalt and carbon fibres as compared to chrysotile asbestos. The number of the induced mesothelioma in the intraperitoneal introduction of basalt and carbon fibres was markedly lower than in case with chrysotile asbestos. Hygienically, asbestos should be replaced wherever possible, and the dust control measures should by no means be inferior to those with asbestos.     

Hygienic aspects of air pollution by sulfur-containing compounds

The physiological and biochemical states of children and adults who resided in the vicinity of the sulphide-containing gas processing plant were studied. The chemical agents emitted by the plant were found to have adverse effects of the children's functional status, namely, decreased vital capacity of the lung, mental performance, retarded sensomotor responses, altered enzymatic system activity.     

Hygienic aspects of the use of compact plants for sewage treatment in small localities

The waste-water system of small localities is an important measure for their sanitary well-being. At present, the firm "Ekobios" produces and installs block-module plants for sewage treatment in small localities.