Gypsum
Classification:
Gypsum is an important sulphur ore and related to anhydrite; compare to anhydrite.
Cas:
13397-24-5
Synonyms/Trade Names:
Light Spar, Montmartite, Plaster Stone, Potter’s Stone, Selenit, Wüstenpink.
Chemistry/Composition:
Ca(SO4)×2H2O.
Structure:
Its structure contains calcium ions and tetrahedra created by one sulfur and four oxygen atoms. These basic elements are arranged in layers. Two layers are placed in opposite directions. Between these double-sheets water molecules bind to the oxygens atoms of the sulfate groups. The calcium is arranged in an octahedral oxygen configuration. The oxygen atoms belong to the six sulfate groups.
Crystallographic Constants:
5.680 15.180 6.290 90.000 113.833 90.000.
Crystal Group:
Monoclinic.
Color:
Normally colorless, seldom yellowish or grayish.
Optical Properties:
n x =1.5205 ny=1.5226 nz=1.5296.
Pleochroism:
colorless and without Pleochroism in thin sections.
Powder Diagram:
2.78 4.28 2.68 7.61 (2-816).
Natural Sources:
World-wide.
Medical Importance:
Key Hazards:
Possibly fibrogenic, possibly mutagenic.
Involved Organs:
Possibly lung.
Exposure/Epidemiology:
It is used as building and filling material, and in the ceramic industries. World production of gypsum was 76×3.106 tons in 1981.
Thresholds: |
TWA |
|
mg/m3 |
| France | 10 |
| Germany | 6 |
| Great Britain | 5 |
Etiology/Pathophysiology:
Detailed data are not known
Lung Diseases:
Associated specific diseases are not known; however, the mineral is listed by the ISO, i.e., possibly fibrogenic and mutagenic forms exist. In addition, gypsum may be contaminated by asbestos or quartz; compare to asbestos , silica.
Clinical Presentation:
Associated specific symptoms are not known.
Radiology:
Associated specific findings are not known.
Lung Function:
Usually normal findings.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage:
Usually normal findings.
Pathology:
Gross:
The lungs are of normal color and consistency.
Histology:
The alveoli can contain an increased number of macrophages, and collections of brown dust particles may be seen in the lymphatic tissue.
Prognosis:
Usually good and without serious sequelae.
Additional Diseases:
None.
Remarks :
Gypsum was identified in Jellyfish larvae (gravity device).
References:
search Pubmed for Gypsum
Elmes PC: Othe r isometric mineral dusts pneumoconiosis: gypsum. In: JK Howard, FH Tyrer (Eds): Textbook of occupational medicine. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh (1987)
Kayser K: Analytical Lung Pathology. Springer, Heidelberg, New York (1992)
Otte KE, Sigsga d TI, Kjaerulf J : Malign ant mesothelioma: clustering in a family producing asbestos cement in their home. Br J Ind Med 47 (1990) 10-13
Reichel G: Auf anorganische Stäube mit geringem oder fehlendem Quarzgehalt zurückgehende Lungenveränderungen. In: WT Ulmer (Ed): Handbuch der inneren Medizin, Bd IV: Pneumokoniosen. Springer, Heidelberg (1978) 468-508
Short SR, Petsonk EL: Respiratory health risks among nonmetal miners. Occup Med 8 (1993) 57-70
Thurlbeck WM: Pathology of the lung. Thieme, Stuttgart, New York (1988)