Safety

UP

Evaluation of Health and Safety Aspects of Palabora PP&V Vermiculite

PP&V vermiculite is produced by the Palabora Mining Company and distributed for use on a world-wide basis.  In common with all other raw materials, the health and safety aspects of vermiculite are of significant importance to the users of the mineral.

To validate the acceptability of Palabora PP&V Vermiculite in this context it was decided to carry out an extensive and fully independent evaluation of the mineral.

The Institute of Occupational Medicine Ltd (IOM), Edinburgh, Scotland was chosen to carry out the independent sampling of the vermiculite and analysis of the samples of possible asbestiform fiber content and for free silica (as quartz).  IOM are acknowledged international experts in this area of work.

IOM then sent representative samples of the vermiculite to two other recognized organizations for additional tests:

• Savannah Laboratories & Environmental Services, Inc.  Savannah, GA.  USA
  • This laboratory analyzed the samples for the presence of various metals, including heavy metals, by the EPA SW-846 methods.
     
• Tracerco, Billingham, England
  • IOM prepare a composite sample of the PP&V vermiculite and sent this to Tracerco for radiochemical analysis.  The following reports were generated from the above evaluations.
    • IOM Test Report NO: A2688
      Analysis of crude vermiculite samples for possible asbestiform fiber content (and free silica content).
       
    • IOM Report No: A3360
      Guidance note to supplement IOM Test Report No: A2688.
       
    • Savannah Laboratories Analysis Report, Log No: S3-42175
      Methods EPA SW-846, metals analysis.
       
    • Mandoval Explanatory Note to Accompany Savannah Laboratories Analysis Report Log No: S3-42175
       
    • Tracerco Radiochemical Analysis Report Ref No: 70737
      Including radiological assessment of analyses.

CONCLUSION

Excellent results were obtained from all tests thus fully validating the acceptability of Palabora PP&V vermiculite in respect of all the items evaluated.

• No asbestiform fibers were detected in any of the PP&V and VOD vermiculite samples analyzed by the Institute of Occupational Medicine.
   
• No free silica was detected in any of the PP&V samples analyzed and only a small trace of quartz was detected in the VOD samples.
   
• When compared with existing and proposed legislation and standards for asbestos and free silica, all of the PP&V and VOD samples easily meet and surpass all relevant trigger or action levels.
   
• The levels of fiber and silica in the Palabora vermiculite compare very favorably with reported levels of these contaminants in a wide range of common materials and products.
   
• These materials and products containing them should not present an asbestos or silica related health hazard, when used in a normally controlled occupational environment.
   
• Copies of the complete report are available upon request.

Website designed and created by Professional Consultants, Inc.