Abstract

The hazard presented by fibrous or particulate matter may be increased by their adsorbtion of highly carcinogenic substances produced by numerous industrial processes.

The capacity of natural and modified particulates to adsorb polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was compared in laboratory experiments.

Both natural asbestos and its substitutes (carbon fibre, Fibre frax, «kaowool», «strongly») adsorb carcinogenic substances. Heat or chemical treatment of the particulates reduces this adsorption.

These results suggest the possibility of modifying certain particulates so as to render them less harmful, without, however, affecting their useful properties. Patents have been granted for an ozone-based polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degradation system, and an industrial fume capture system, both developed for this study.