[Various ecological problems related to mining and processing of serpentine. Evaluation of non-occupational exposure of the population of Nasławice to fibrous mineral dust].

Non-occupational exposure of the population living in the vicinity of the serpentine mining and processing mill in Nasławice was assessed. The evaluation was based on the phase analysis and determination of respirable mineral fibres content in the samples of dust fall and soil in the fields nearby the mine, as well as on the in-door and out-door measurements of airborne fibres concentration. All soil samples contained antigorite--a mineral the structure of which is close to that of chrysotile asbestos add exhibiting high biological aggressiveness. The respirable mineral fibres content in the dust fall-out and in the soil ranged from 98,000 to 480,000 per 1 mg and from 48,000 to 122,000 per 1 mg, respectively, whereas the airborne concentrations were from 2 to 1540 fibres/l (outdoor) and from 4 to 7 fibres/l (indoor). The fall of dust in the years 1989-1990, recorded at all measuring points, exceeded 200,000 kg/km2 yearly (admissible value). The airborne concentrations of respirable mineral fibres were also higher than the admissible value (1 fibre/l of the air). The results obtained indicate that the exposure of the population in Nasławice to mineral fibrous dusts has significantly exceeded to maximum admissible concentrations established for non-occupational exposure.