Piezoelectric properties of quartz and cristobalite airborne particulates as a cause of adverse health effects

Citation
Bj. Williamson et al., Piezoelectric properties of quartz and cristobalite airborne particulates as a cause of adverse health effects, ATMOS ENVIR, 35(20), 2001, pp. 3539-3542
Citations number
23
Categorie Soggetti
Environment/Ecology,"Earth Sciences
Journal title
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
ISSN journal
13522310 → ACNP
Volume
35
Issue
20
Year of publication
2001
Pages
3539 - 3542
Database
ISI
SICI code
1352-2310(200107)35:20<3539:PPOQAC>2.0.ZU;2-4
Abstract
Inhalation of quartz and cristobalite dusts is commonly linked with health effects although the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Grinding of these piezoelectric silica polymorphs produces particulates with transient piezoelectric charges. This is likely to cause vigorous reaction with atmo spheric gases and, through interaction with surface charges and 'dangling b onds', may lead to the formation of highly deleterious ozonide, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. It is hoped that this study will encourage experimen tal work to quantify piezoelectric effects in silica dusts and to develop a method for their neutralisation during cutting and grinding processes. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.