Adverse Effects
Fluorapatite
CAS No. 1306-05-4
 
 

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Abstracts

ACTIVITY: Solid diluent and carrier for pesticides, EPA Inert

Formula: Ca5[F|(PO4)3] also 3 Ca3(PO4)2CaF2 or Ca10(PO4)6F2

The most common F-bearing minerals which constitute the natural source for fluoride in drinking water are fluorite, apatite, rock phosphate and topaz. The epidemiologic prevalence of endemic fluorosis (human) was directly related to the distribution of fluoride-bearing minerals in the various endemic areas.
CAS Registry Numbers:
16984-48-8 - Fluoride (F)
14542-23-5 - Fluorite (CaF2)
14265-44-2 - Phosphate (O4-P)
1306-05-4 - Fluorapatite (Ca10-F2-O4-P and Ca5-F-O12-P3) - (also called phosphate rock)
1302-59-6 - Topaz (Al2(F0.5-1(OH)0-0.5)2SiO4)
Ref: FLUORIDE; 14 (2). 1981. 69-74. Hydro-geochemical aspects of endemic skeletal fluorosis in India: An epidemiologic study. By TEOTIA S PS, TEOTIA M, SINGH RK


Abstract: Literature on source of environmental pollution with F and its compounds is reviewed. Studies are cited on the accumulation of F in the soil and in plants (carrots, beets, cabbage, cucumbers, potatoes, grains, e.g. wheat and corn, fruit trees, e.g. apricots, plums, peaches and apples, pines, grasses, tea, camellias, gladioli); this leads to F accumulation in livestock (cows and pigs) fed with fodder yeast or other feed containing high F levels. Problems of endemic fluorosis and osteosclerosis in humans living in certain areas are mentioned and the negative effects of occupational exposure to F compounds on various organs and systems of the human body. A mutagenic action in rats was also indicated. In addition to increasing efforts at environmental protection and improving working conditions in industries involving F or its compounds, serious consideration should be given to lowering quantities of F in the drinking water.
CAS Registry Numbers:
16984-48-8 - Fluoride (F)
15096-52-3 - Cryolite ( Al-F6.3Na)
14542-23-5 - Fluorite (CaF2)
1318-94-1 - Muscovite ( Al.H4-O4-Si.1/3K)
1306-05-4 - Fluorapatite (Ca10-F2-O4-P and Ca5-F-O12-P3)
1302-27-8 - Biotite ( Al.F.Fe.H-O.K.Mg.O3-Si.O)
Ref: Ecological problems of the production and use of fluorine compounds. By RODIN VI. ZH VSES KHIM O-VA IM D I MENDELEEVA; 24 (1). 1979. 42-48.

 

Adverse Effects:
Atrophic rhinitis
Lung
Contamination Incident:
Placentia Bay, Newfoundland (1969)
Environmental

Atrophic rhinitis

Abstract: The nasal mucosae of workers subjected to prolonged exposure to phosphorite (PH) and apatite (1306-05-4) (AP) dusts were examined. A group of 131 male workers employed at the harbor quay in the transshipment, transport, and storage of PH and AP ores was selected. They had been occupationally exposed for an average of 8.6+/-4.7yr, working about 6 hours per day. The control group of 129 workers were employed in the transshipment of general dustless cargo. Laryngological and cytological examinations of nasal mucosa smears, as well as urinary examination for fluorine (F) ions were conducted. Results showed that urinary F ions in the exposed group increased from 0.8 milligrams per liter (mg/l) before work to 1mg/l after work, and was higher than that in the control group (0.63mg/l). Rhinoscopy showed that inflammatory changes corresponding to chronic, simple, or atrophic rhinitis were more frequent in the exposed group. The number of atrophic rhinitis cases increased with years in the workplace, and in those who had worked longer than 10yr, incidence was about 53%. Cytologically, exposed workers displayed stratified squamous epithelium or metaplastic cells, together with degenerative, inflammatory changes. The number of morphotic elements of epithelial and nonepithelial origin was greater than in the control group. The authors conclude that cytological screening can be used for assessing the effects of PH and AP dusts on the nasal mucosa.
CAS Registry Numbers:
1306-05-4 - Fluorapatite
Ref: Assessment of the Nasal Mucosa in Workers Exposed to the Prolonged Effect of Phosphorite and Apatite Dusts. Mickiewicz L, Mikulski T. Kuzna-Grygiel W, Swiech Z. Polish Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Vol. 6, No. 3, pages 277-285, 23 references, 1993.

• Definition: Atrophic rhinitis Atrophic rhinitis is characterised by squamous metaplasia followed by atrophy. The nose becomes filled with foul smelling crusts. The smell from these crusts may cause the child to be ostracized... The cause of atrophic rhinitis is unknown, although bacterial infection frequently plays a role. The mucous membrane changes from ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium to stratified squamous epithelium, and the lamina propria is reduced in amount and vascularity. Anosmia results, and epistaxis may be recurrent and severe. Atrophic rhinitis is differentiated from other forms of chronic rhinitis by the abnormal patency of the nasal cavities, caused by atrophy of the blood vessels and the seromucinous glands in the lamina propria.
Ref: http://www.herbchina2000.com/therapies/JRS.shtml

Lung (click on for all fluorinated pesticides)

Abstract: In a study of the effects of phosphorite and apatite (1306-05-4) dusts on respiratory function, industrial hygiene monitoring of workplace total and respirable dusts was performed on a cohort of 118 males, mean age 37.3 years, who had been employed in processing phosphorite and apatite ores for a mean of 8.6 years. The comparisons consisted of 149 healthy males, mean age 35.6 years, who had never been exposed to phosphorite or apatite dusts. Approximately 67% of the subjects in each group were smokers. The subjects completed a respiratory symptom questionnaire, pulmonary function testing was performed, and chest X-rays were obtained. Total workplace dust concentrations ranged from 14 to 228 milligrams per cubic meter. The respirable fraction accounted for approximately 18% of the total dust concentrations and consisted primarily of calcium-oxide (1305788), phosphorus oxides, silica (14808607), and fluorides. Both the cohort and comparisons reported similar prevalences of chronic cough, excess sputum production, and dyspnea, 15 and 12%, respectively. The chest X-ray films of both groups were similar. Group mean values of forced vital capacity (FVC), 1 second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and maximum expiratory flow at 25% (MEF25) and 75% of FVC (MEF75) were significantly lower in nonsmoking phosphorite and apatite workers than in nonsmoking comparisons. Mean transit times (MTTs) were significantly longer in the nonsmoking exposed workers than in nonsmoking comparisons. These changes were not significantly associated with duration of phosphorite or apatite exposure. FVC, FEV1, MEF25, maximum expiratory flow at 50% FVC, MEF75, and MTT were significantly decreased in smoking comparisons relative to smokers in the cohort. No smoking related changes in these parameters were seen in the exposed workers. The authors conclude that occupational exposure to phosphorite and apatite dusts causes decrements in pulmonary function in nonsmoking workers.
Ref:
Assessment of the Respiratory System in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Phosphorite and Apatite Dusts; by Mikulski T, Podraza H, Steciuk W, Swiech Z . International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Vol. 7, No. 2, pages 119-124, 20 references, 1994.

Abstract: Fifty mg of apatite-concentrate and apatite-nepheline (apatite ore), suspended in 1 ml of physiological saline solution, were applied once intratracheally to female albino rats. Twenty-six, 39 and 52 wk later the animals were sacrificed and a histological examination of the macroscopically affected parts of the lungs and the paratracheal lymph nodes was done. In all 52 wk animals a histocytical and fibrocytical formation of nodules in the lungs with a desquamation of the epithelia and metaplastic modifications of the plateepithelium of the bronchial mucous membrane was observed. Application of apatite-concentrate resulted in a lympho-plasmacellular reaction with subsequent leucocytical infiltration. In both dust samples the examined lymph nodules showed the symptoms of a chronic lymphadenitis. Apatite-ore causes a fibrous injury of the parenchyma of the lungs. This damage was not observed in the case of apatite-concentrate.
CAS Registry Numbers:
1302-72-3 - Nepheline: (Na, K)AlSiO4 , Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate
1306-05-4 - Fluorapatite
Ref: (Investigation on the effects of a singly intratracheal application of apatite-nepheline and apatite-concentrate dust to rat lungs.) by HOLLENBACH K, KERSTEN E, PATZELT K, SCHWESINGER G. INT ARCH ARBEITSMED; 28 (3). 1971 271-282

Abstract: The prevalence of pneumoconioses among phosphate (1306-05-4) rock workers in Brazil was assessed. The 73 workers evaluated in the investigation were exposed to phosphate rock extracted in the states of Goias and Minas Gerais, where the material was crushed and then transported to Paulinia for storage in underground mills. Subjects submitted to a detailed respiratory questionnaire, a physical examination emphasizing the respiratory system, pulmonary function tests, chest x-rays, and, in two cases, lung biopsies through thoracotomy. The quantity of free silica (7631869) in airborne samples was measured by colorimetric analysis. A semiquantitative analysis was performed on airborne samples using x-ray spectrometry. Twenty of the workers were noted to have pneumoconioses. Mean exposure was 46 months. The majority of the cases had no respiratory symptoms. No significant fibrosis was noted, and no pleura disease or mediastinal alterations were observed. No traces of free silica were detected by diffraction analysis. The author concludes that the high prevalence of pneumoconioses noted in this study must derive from the particularly poor working conditions at the facilities. A regular followup using lung function tests and chest x-rays should be included in the routine examination of phosphate rock workers.
Ref:
Prevalence of Pneumoconioses among Phosphate Rock Workers in Brazil by de Capitani EM. Proceedings of the VIIth International Pneumoconioses Conference, Part II. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August 23-26, 1988. NIOSH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 90-108 Part II, pages 1310-1311, 1990.

Abstract: The pulmonary nonasbestos mineral fiber content was analyzed in the lungs of 20 individuals who had no occupational exposure to fibers. Thirteen different mineral species were identified which accounted for 71 percent of the fibers counted. Among those found were apatite (1306-05-4), talc (14807966), attapulgite (1337764), gypsum (13397245), silica (7631869), rutile (13463677), kaolinite (1318747), mullite (1302767), illite (12173603), pyroxene (12174377), pyrophyllite (68136618), feldspar, vermiculite (1318009), and chlorite (1318598). The average number of nonasbestos fibers for the 20 cases was 106,000/gram wet lung. There was no significant difference recorded between smokers and nonsmokers nor was there a difference based on age. Apatite was the most frequently observed fiber with a mean of 19,000 fibers/gram wet lung, or 18 percent of the nonasbestos fibers present. Talc was the next highest in concentration and together talc and apatite constituted over one third of the total fibers present. Only silica was found in every lung sample. Eighty six percent of the fibers were between 1 and 4.9 microns in length with 3 percent being over 10 microns in length. Concerning distribution in the lungs, the mean number of fibers in the subpleural upper lobe was 30,500; in the peripheral lower lobe 37,000; in the central upper lobe 19,500; and in the central lower lobe 19,500 fibers/gram wet lung. Interstitial fibrosis did not occur in any patient unless it was explainable as a result of treatment or old infectious disease. Three of these individuals had lung cancer and one had gastrointestinal cancer but in none of these individuals were there any differences in nonasbestos fiber content in the lungs when compared to other members of the study group.
Ref:
Nonasbestos Pulmonary Mineral Fibers in the General Population by Churg A. Environmental Research, Vol. 31, No. 1, pages 189-200, 22 references, 1983.

Abstract: Small-airway lesions were identified in histologic sections from the lungs of 7 workers with histories of exposure to nonasbestos dusts. The lesions consisted of deposits of fibrous tissue, often accompanied by pigment, in the walls of membranous and respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts. Comparison with a matched population of persons with no dust exposure revealed that the changes in the respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts were morphologically distinctive and could be used to diagnose the lesions. Structurally, these lesions were similar to those described in the airways of asbestos workers, although comparison with the authors' previous results indicated that the number of severely affected airways was less in the nonasbestos dust group. Mineralogic analysis indicated that these abnormalities were produced by a variety of different dusts including silica, iron oxide and aluminum oxide, and that occult asbestos exposure, although possible in 3 cases, was most likely not a primary cause of disease. This lesion, called mineral dust airways disease, was a nonspecific reaction of the small airways to inorganic particulates. The presence of such changes cast doubt on the theory that small-airway abnormalities in asbestos workers were the earliest form of asbestosis.
CAS Registry Numbers:
17068-78-9 - Anthophyllite asbestos
14567-73-8 - Tremolite
12172-73-5 - Asbestos, amosite
12001-28-4 - Asbestos, crocidolite
12001-26-2 - Mica
7631-86-9 - Siliceous earth, purified
1344-28-1 - Aluminum oxide
1318-74-7 - Kaolinite (Al2(OH)4(Si2O5))
1317-80-2 - Rutile (TiO2)
1306-05-4 - Fluorapatite

Ref: Small-airway lesions in patients exposed to nonasbestos mineral dusts. CHURG A, WRIGHT JL. HUM PATHOL; 14 (8). 1983. 688-693.

Abstract: Pure monoclinic or triclinic calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals, apatite crystals or mixtures of these crystals were injected into the synovial-like space created by the rat air pouch to compare the acute inflammation induced by these crystals. Fluids were withdrawn 6 h after injection and examined for leukocyte counts, protease, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels. CPPD crystals (especially monoclinic CPPD) induced higher numbers of leukocytes, and more protease, PGE2 and TNF than apatite. CPPD seemed to play a predominant role in the acute inflammation induced by mixed crystals.
CAS Registry Numbers:
17031-92-4 - Diphosphoric acid, calcium salt (1:2), dihydrate
1306-05-4
- Fluorapatite
Ref: Comparison of the acute inflammation induced by calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate, apatite and mixed crystals in the rat air pouch model of a synovial space. WATANABE W, BAKER DG, SCHUMACHER H R JR. J RHEUMATOL; 19 (9). 1992. 1453-1457.

Contamination Incident (click on for all fluorinated pesticides)

Placentia Bay, Newfoundland

The contamination of a fishery and resulting high mortality of herring, cod, and lobsters are reported for Long Harbour, Placentia Bay, Newfoundland, following discharge of wastes containing phosphorus (7723140) from a nearby fluorapatite (1306-05-4) ore pelletizing plant. Waste effluents contain cyanide (57125), ammonium (14798039) ions, sulfur-dioxide (7446095), calcium-phosphate (7757939), and calcium-fluoride (7789-74-4). Measures are described for preventing toxic pollutants from entering the bay, reducing effluents to non-toxic forms, and removal of deposited phosphorus from bottom sediments by dredging.
Ref: Coexistence of a Fishery and a Major Industry in Placentia Bay, by Idler DR. Chemistry in Canada, Vol. 21, pages 16-21, 1969.


... Late in 1969 a number of massive fishkills occurred in Long Harbour and neighboring regions of Placentia Bay in Newfoundland. The fish kills were attributed to the startup of a phosphorus producing plant at Long Harbour. A study was undertaken by the Fisheries Research Board of Canada to determine the toxicity of yellow phosphorus to marine life. Results of the research were reported in a book entitled "Effects of Elemental Phosphorus on Marine Life," compiled and edited by P. J. Jangaard, Circular No. 2, November 1972, Atlantic Regional Office, Research and Development, Fisheries Research Board of Canada, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The book is a compilation of technical papers which describe the pollution problem at Long Harbour, give results of research on toxicity of elemental phosphorus and describe methods used to clean up Placentia Bay. An abstract of one of the technical papers is given below as an example to show the relative sensitivity of marine life to small concentrations of elemental phosphorus in water. The paper abstracted is "Yellow Phosphorus Pollution: Its Toxicity to Seawater-Maintained Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and smelt (Osmerus mordax)," by G. L. Fletcher, R. J. Hoyle, and D. A. Horne, Fisheries Research Board of Canada, Halifax Laboratory, Halifax, Nova Scotia...
Ref: Processes for the disposal and recovery of phossy water. United States Patent 5549878.


... In 1969, a massive fish kill that turned Placentia Bay, Newfoundland into "a biological desert" was traced to fluoride effluent from a plant that produced elemental phosphorus for metal finishing and consumer goods. Some 22,800 pounds of fluoride effluent poured into the bay each day, primarily in the form of hydrofluosilicic acid - the same substance used to fluoridate city water supplies...
Ref: Why Fluoride Is an Environmental Issue, by Gar Smith. Earth Island Journal.


... People who lived near the ERCO facility had had first-hand experience with pollution. In 1968 liquids flowing from the plant poisoned the waters around Long Harbour. Great numbers of dead fish ”some of which had turned a strange red colour” washed up on beaches. Both the plant and the fishery were closed immediately while an investigation took place.

When vegetation and trees around the ERCO plant died mysterious1)', the Department of Health advised people not to have vegetable gardens or to pick berries within three kilometres of the facility When the plant closed in 1989 it was estimated that it would take 25 years and more than $100 million to clean up the mess its owners had left behind.

From Newfoundland writer Greg Whelan's history of the ERCO plant:

Threats to the environment were apparent almost from the beginning. The Red Herring Scare occurred in December when it was discovered that fish exposed to phosphorous effluent from the plant suffered internal bleeding and were washing up dead throughout Placentia Bay. Other wildlife in the area were affected as well. A moose and two rabbits were found to be deformed due to excess bone fluoride levels. The mysterious death of vegetation within a 3 km radius of the facility prompted the provincial
department of health to warn residents not to grow vegetable gardens or pick berries in the region.

Measures introduced over the years by ERCO and the subsequent owner Albright and Wilson Americas, reduced the pollution to "acceptable" levels, and the most common concern voiced by Long Harbour residents was a slight annoyance with the yellow dust that continuously covered their homes and cars.

Today, the phosphorous plant is gone, and the town and the province must deal with two problems: the loss of nearly 300 jobs, and what to do with the contaminated areas left behind.

... In 1991 there was a belief among the residents of the region that they had a much higher rate of cancer than normal. As a result the Placentia Area Cancer Group had been formed. Bruce Gilbert was a member. He had arranged that blood samples be taken from a group of local residents. The samples had been sent to world-renowned environmental scientist Dr. Rosalie Bertell in Toronto for analysis...
Ref: Taking the Lead. Volume 3: Taking On the Fight. A project of the Writer's Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador.


Environmental (click on for all fluorinated pesticides)

SCI TOTAL ENVIRON; 49 (0). 1986. 227-234.

Fluoride distribution in the Jordan Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea).
by ABU-HILAL AH
Mar. Sci. Sta., Univ. Jordan, P.O. Box 195, Aqaba, Jordan.

In order to evaluate the magnitude and effect of phosphate (fluorapatite) rock particles on the distribution of fluoride in the Jordanian sector of the Gulf of Aqaba, sea water and sediment samples were collected from six stations north and south of Aqaba Port. The fluoride concentrations of the water and sediments were determined, together with the concentrations of calcium, calcium carbonate, total phosphorus, magnesium and organic matter in the sediments. Normal fluoride concentrations were found in the sea water samples, whereas abnormally high values were found in the phosphate-polluted sediments. These findings and the correlations between fluoride concentrations and those of other measured parameters are discussed.
CAS Registry Numbers:
16984-48-8 - Fluoride
14265-44-2 - Phosphate
7723-14-0 - Phosphorus
7440-70-2 - Calcium
7439-95-4 - Magnesium
1306-05-4 - Fluorapatite
471-34-1 - Calcium carbonate


ZH VSES KHIM O-VA IM D I MENDELEEVA; 24 (1). 1979. 42-48.

Ecological problems of the production and use of fluorine compounds.
by RODIN VI
Div. Technol. Recovery Sec. Mater. Ind., D.I. Mendeleev Mosc. Chem.-Technol. Inst., Moscow, USSR.

Literature on source of environmental pollution with F and its compounds is reviewed. Studies are cited on the accumulation of F in the soil and in plants (carrots, beets, cabbage, cucumbers, potatoes, grains, e.g. wheat and corn, fruit trees, e.g. apricots, plums, peaches and apples, pines, grasses, tea, camellias, gladioli); this leads to F accumulation in livestock (cows and pigs) fed with fodder yeast or other feed containing high F levels. Problems of endemic fluorosis and osteosclerosis in humans living in certain areas are mentioned and the negative effects of occupational exposure to F compounds on various organs and systems of the human body. A mutagenic action in rats was also indicated. In addition to increasing efforts at environmental protection and improving working conditions in industries involving F or its compounds, serious consideration should be given to lowering quantities of F in the drinking water.
CAS Registry Numbers:
16984-48-8 - Fluoride (F)
15096-52-3 - Cryolite ( Al-F6.3Na)
14542-23-5 - Fluorite (CaF2)
1318-94-1 - Muscovite ( Al.H4-O4-Si.1/3K)
1306-05-4 - Fluorapatite (Ca10-F2-O4-P and Ca5-F-O12-P3)
1302-27-8 - Biotite ( Al.F.Fe.H-O.K.Mg.O3-Si.O)


MICROB ECOL; 4 (2). 1978 105-118

Naturally occurring apatite as a source of orthophosphate for growth of bacteria and algae.
by SMITH EA, MAYFIELD CI, WONG P TS
Dep. Biol., Univ. Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont. N2L 3G1, Can.

Several naturally occurring Ca-phosphate apatites which varied in crystalline structure and ionic composition were added as crystals of different particle size to P-free (< 1 mug/l total P) nutrient media. Sufficient %W%000006%% was released by the partial dissolution of apatite crystals at limnetic pH levels (pH 7.8) to support growth of several unialgal-mixed bacterial culture. The biomass produced by mixed populations increased as the amount of available apatite was increased and as the pH of the media and the particle size of the apatite crystals were decreased. Although apatite characteristically displays reduced solubility under alkaline conditions, the tons of apatite which are continuously entering aquatic environments as erosion material may be contributing to the P loading of those ecosystems. (The following algae were examined: Ankistrodesmus braunii, A. falcatus, Chlorella vulgaris, C. pyrenoidosa, Scenedesmus quadricauda, S. longus, Microcystis aeruginosa, Chlamydomonas dysosmos, C. reinhardtii, Cryptomonas sp., Ochromonas sp., Golenkinia minutissima, Closterium sp. and Staurastrum sp.)
CAS Registry Numbers:
1306-05-4 - Fluorapatite

Note from EC: The fluoride concentration in the Nauru phosphate deposits has been estimated at 3.0%.

Nauru - this map and description is from "CIA - The World Factbook" website for Nauru.

Background: Nauru's phosphate deposits began to be mined early in the 20th century... Nauru is the world's smallest independent republic.
Location: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall Islands
Area - comparative: about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Environment - current issues: ... intensive phosphate mining during the past 90 years - mainly by a UK, Australia, and NZ consortium - has left the central 90% of Nauru a wasteland and threatens limited remaining land resources
Economy - overview: Revenues of this tiny island have traditionally come from exports of phosphates, but reserves are now depleted... The rehabilitation of mined land and the replacement of income from phosphates are serious long-term problems...

 
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