Events

Asbestos and other fibrous minerals remain significant occupational and environmental concerns worldwide. Although asbestos has been banned or heavily restricted in many countries, exposure risks persist due to the widespread presence of legacy asbestos in buildings, infrastructure, and manufactured products. Naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) in rocks and soils also presents challenges for mining, construction, and other earthworks activities.

Research has identified a broad range of elongate mineral particles (EMPs) that may resemble asbestos but differ in their mineralogy, formation processes, and potential health effects. Some of these fibres fall outside regulatory definitions of asbestos despite evidence suggesting they may pose significant risks. Understanding which fibrous minerals are of greatest concern is critical for effective risk assessment and management.

This webinar will examine current scientific understanding of asbestos, naturally occurring asbestos, and other elongate mineral particles, focusing on how fibre characteristics influence exposure and health risk.

In this webinar, our speaker will explore:

• The scientific definition of asbestos and its distinction from other fibrous minerals.
• Classification of elongate mineral particles as asbestiform and non-asbestiform.
• Naturally occurring asbestos and its relevance to mining, construction, and earthworks.
• Environmental sources of asbestos and other fibrous minerals.
• Recent advances in toxicology and exposure science.
• Exposure and risk assessment approaches for different fibre types and sizes.
• Emerging fibrous mineral hazards that fall outside conventional asbestos regulations.

The presentation will draw on current research and case studies to demonstrate how fibre type, morphology, and mineral origin can influence exposure and health outcomes. Practical examples will illustrate how quantitative exposure assessment and risk modelling can support decision-making where multiple fibrous minerals may be present.

This webinar will be particularly valuable for contaminated land consultants, occupational hygienists, environmental scientists, regulators, mining professionals, and risk assessment practitioners. A live Q&A will follow, and the session will be recorded.