Metal Ion Release from Engineered Stone Dust in Artificial Lysosomal Fluid—Variation with Time and Stone Type

Preeti Maharjan, Joseph Crea, Michael Tkaczuk, Sharyn Gaskin and Dino Pisaniello
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Preeti Maharjan: Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
Joseph Crea: Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
Michael Tkaczuk: Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
Sharyn Gaskin: Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
Dino Pisaniello: Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 12, 1-11

Abstract: Inhalational exposure to dust from engineered stone (ES), also known as artificial or composite stone, is associated with a specific disease profile, namely accelerated silicosis, and scleroderma. The pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood, particularly the role of resin and metal ions. Metal ions are present in pigments and constituent minerals and may be considered potential contributors to toxicity. The aim of this preliminary study was to understand the solubility of ES-containing metals in artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF) simulating the acidic intracellular environment of the lung macrophage lysosome. Differences with respect to ES types and temporal release were explored. Ten ES products of variable colour and company origin were comminuted and assessed for four different metals, solubilized into ALF solutions at 1,2,4 and 8 weeks at 37 °C. There was significant variability in metal release, particularly with regard to iron and manganese, which could be correlated with the reflected brightness of the stone. A majority of the available Mn, Fe, Al and Ti was solubilized. Time trends for metal release varied with ES type but also with metal ion. The data suggest a high metal ion bioavailability once engulfed by lung macrophages. There is a need to investigate a wider range of ES dust and relate metal content to markers of ES toxicity.

Keywords: engineered stone; artificial stone; metal ion; biosolubility; silicosis; artificial lysosomal fluid (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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