Distribution of Fibers Originating from Natural Asbestos-Containing Rocks in the Atmospheric Environment, Environmental Effects and Risks (Konya, Turkey)

The presence of asbestos in many rural areas in Türkiye is a well-known issue. Recently, it has been proved that inhaling asbestos fibers can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma and adversely affect human health. Dangerous fibers may be found in the soil content resulting from the decomposition, dispersion, and use of asbestos-containing rocks by natural or anthropogenic activities. In this study, the effects of using naturally occurring asbestos containing rocks as road material on the environment and human health in the Altınekin district, Koçyaka, and Akçaşar neighborhoods were evaluated. Chrysotile, tremolite, and actinolite minerals were found in mineralogical analysis of the samples taken from the rocks used for road construction. In areas where naturally occurring asbestos containing rocks are extracted, the amount of fiber in the air varies between 0.038 and 0.3 f/m3. The amount of fiber measured in road dust is between 0.050 and 0.1 f/m3. Individuals may be exposed to road dust during transportation to agricultural areas in the region located in the arid climate zone. The proximity of naturally occurring asbestos containing rocks to settlements, and the transport of weathered fibers here with wind, poses a threat to people living in these regions.