Bentonite toxicology and epidemiology - a review

• Published in: Inhalation toxicology 2016-11, Vol.28 (13), p.591-617
• Main Authors: Maxim, L. Daniel, Niebo, Ron, McConnell, Ernest E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; applications; Bentonite; Bentonite - chemistry; Bentonite - toxicity; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants - chemistry; Environmental Pollutants - toxicity; epidemiology; Fuller's Earth; Humans; Metallurgy; Mining; montmorillonite; Occupational Diseases - chemically induced; Occupational Diseases - epidemiology; occupational exposure; processing; toxicity
• ISSN: 0895-8378; 1091-7691
• DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2016.1240727

Bentonite, a clay with numerous industrial and consumer applications, is mined and processed in many countries of the world. Its many beneficial uses also create the potential for widespread occupational and consumer exposure. The available studies on toxicity and epidemiology indicate that the principal exposure pathway of concern is inhalation of respirable dust by occupationally exposed cohorts. Bentonite itself is probably not more toxic than any other particulate not otherwise regulated and is not classified as a carcinogen by any regulatory or advisory body, but some bentonite may contain variable amounts of respirable crystalline silica, a recognized human carcinogen. Therefore, prudent management and adherence to occupational exposure limits is appropriate. This review summarizes the literature available on production, applications, exposure, toxicity, and epidemiology of bentonite and identifies data gaps and limitations.