Biogenic Amorphous Silica

Biogenic amorphous silica (BAS) is a natural constituent of living matter (eg, unicellular organisms and crop plants). Diatoms, whose siliceous remains are the geologic precursors to diatomaceous earth, actively process soluble silica into BAS. In some plants, a portion of the BAS exists externally...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inScandinavian Journal of Work, Environment ＆ Health Vol. 21; no. 2; pp. 108 - 110
Main Author Rabovsky, Jean
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Finland Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment ＆ Health 01.01.1995
National Institute for Working Life
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
National Institute of Occupational Health (Denmark)
National Institute of Occupational Health (Norway)
Subjects
Agriculture
Chemical hazards
Crops
Diatomaceous earth
Diatoms
Environmental Exposure - adverse effects
Environmental health
Future research directions and areas of focus
Health benefits
Humans
Lungs
Occupational Exposure - adverse effects
Plants
Rice
Silicon Dioxide - adverse effects
Sugar cane
inhalation
crop plants
fibers
environmental exposure
review
diatomaceous earth
occupational exposure
biogenic amorphous silica
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Summary:Biogenic amorphous silica (BAS) is a natural constituent of living matter (eg, unicellular organisms and crop plants). Diatoms, whose siliceous remains are the geologic precursors to diatomaceous earth, actively process soluble silica into BAS. In some plants, a portion of the BAS exists externally as pointed or irregularly shaped fibers. Although silicarelated adverse health effects are usually attributed to crystalline forms, such effects could occur as a result of exposure to BAS at high temperatures (above 800°C), where crystalline silica, a known human toxicant is formed. BAS fibers from food crops can be ingested and lead to adverse health effects due to irritative processes. Airborne BAS fibers from rice can be inhaled during burning or incineration. Fibrous or nonfibrous BAS can adsorb toxic organic compounds and facilitate their entry into the lung. Recommendations for research are suggested to address the issue of potential health effects due to exposure to BAS.
ISSN:0355-3140
1795-990X