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.     

Subject Index to Volume 3

By monodimensional thin-layer electrophoresis on 5 X 10-cm cellulose layers o-aminolevulinic acid (oAL) is rapidly separated from interfering substances. Detection with a cupric nitrate-Ninhydrin sequence adds specificity and permits detection of as little as 10 ng/lLl of urine. Confirmation can be obtained on two-dimensional chromatograms (5 X 5 em) with the use of either Ninhydrin or a modified MauzeraUasGranick reagent for detection. The quantity of (’)Al can be estimated by visual or densitometric comparison with standards. The method is rapid and inexpensive and is suggested for use in conjunction with the more expensive column chromatographic technique.