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    9. Aluminiumsilikatfasern (Refractory Ceramic Fibres, RCF). MAK-Begründung, Nachtrag
Cover: The MAK Collection for Occupational Health and Safety

The MAK Collection for Occupational Health and Safety

German Research Foundation – Permanent Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area
(MAK Commission)

ISSN 2509-2383



Aluminiumsilikatfasern (Refractory Ceramic Fibres, RCF)

MAK-Begründung, Nachtrag

  Andrea Hartwig1
  MAK Commission2

1 Institut für Angewandte Biowissenschaften, Abteilung Lebensmittelchemie und Toxikologie, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Adenauerring 20a, Geb. 50.41, 76131 Karlsruhe, Deutschland
2 Ständige Senatskommission zur Prüfung gesundheitsschädlicher Arbeitsstoffe, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Kennedyallee 40, 53175 Bonn, Deutschland

Abstract

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated aluminium silicate fibres considering all toxicological endpoints.

Aluminium silicate fibres cause mesotheliomas and lung tumours in rats and hamsters. In epidemiological studies, cancer risk was not associated with exposure to aluminium silicate fibres. Tumour formation in animals is a result of chronic inflammation; therefore, aluminum silicate fibres are a candidate for Carcinogen Category 4. However, the re‐evaluation showed that a maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) cannot be derived and aluminium silicate fibres thus remain classified in Carcinogen Category 2.

Aluminium silicate fibres are not taken up via the skin in toxicologically relevant amounts. There are no studies of sensitization.

Keywords

aluminium silicate fibres, RCF, lung, inflammation, carcinogenicity, lung tumours, mesotheliomas