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CH3041
PARTICULATES
• Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS).
• Smoking produces >1000cmpds incl. VOCs (benzo(a)pyrene), HCN, NH3  and significant concentrations of respirable particles PM2.5. 
• In a pub >0.8g/m3 (Brisbane CBD 8mg/m3).
• Passive ETS: US 63,000 heart, lung deaths/y.
• Asbestos. eg. Na2(Fe,Mg)3Fe2Si8O22(OH)2 
Fibrous silicate minerals. Mined extensively in W.A. (Wittenoom) asbestos was used as a cheap insulating material in buildings, fireproofing. Thin, short fibres ® mesothelioma = lung, heart,
abdomen cancer, incurable.
• Cooking: Mexico cooking tortillas ® 1mg/m3 particulates in the air for 2-3 h.
Crocidolite
The trapped fibres initiate inflammation and fibrous scarring. When the asbestos is in someone's lungs, the body sends its immune system cells or white blood cells (WBCs) to attack it. The body's WBCs create particles that are toxic to cells, especially free radicals. When asbestos gets into the lungs, the white blood cells keep making free radicals. The free radicals slowly damage the cells that are around the asbestos. Some of this damage includes damage to the DNA that cause mutations in cancer-causing genes. Apparently, these mutations eventually result in cancer in some people who are exposed to asbestos. The pathologic mechanism for mesothelioma is complex with multiple possible etiologic factors