Highlights: What are the main findings? New petrographic and mineralogical observations from optical microscopy, stereomicroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) are reported on Fluoro-edenite, an asbestiform mineral (IMA approved in 2000), first identified and in the geological formations at Biancavilla town (Mt. Etna volcano, Italy). The most relevant studies carried out up to now on the “Biancavilla case” (Etna) are here reviewed and critically synthesized. Results based on monitoring activity of airborne fluoroedenite from 2009 up to 2024 highlighted a real improvement of Biancavilla town environmental situation and a gradual reduction of exposure as a consequence of the dust mitigation and remediation measures. What are the implications of the main findings? Fluoro-edenite occurrence within massive lava samples, beyond previously studied breccias and altered portions, adds a new dimension to risk assessment in the area of Biancavilla town. Fluoro-edenite in massive lava rocks opens new avenues for investigating the mineral’s genesis and growth mechanisms within solid rock Continuous environmental monitoring should be rigorously maintained, particularly during high-risk activities involving fibre release, such as excavations and demolitions, in order to prevent potential adverse health effects on population. The present review paper focuses on the peculiar environmental and health implications of fibrous amphibole “fluoro-edenite”, a new mineral first reported in Biancavilla (Etna Mount, Sicily, Italy). Its presence has been linked to an unusually high incidence of malignant pleural mesothelioma, as seen from national surveys during 1988–1997, marking the first case study of natural occurrence of fibrous amphibole in a volcanic context. Despite remediation efforts since the cessation of quarrying activities at the “Il Calvario” quarry, the risk of fiber exposure may extend beyond urban areas to surrounding soils and volcanic formation, not fully characterized yet. This review synthesizes relevant existing literature on mineralogical and chemical features of fluoro-edenite, while also enriching current understanding with new observations from optical microscopy, stereomicroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Our analyses reveal the presence of fluoro-edenite amphibole not only in the altered samples but, significantly, within the massive rock samples. This finding expands its known distribution and offers initial consideration on public health implications related to massive lava rock, which crops out. This study highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring, detailed geological surveys, and further research into fiber occurrences and distribution in the volcanic systems, of which Mt. Etna represents the first case of natural occurrences, in order to fully assess their impact on public health.
Fluoro-Edenite from Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy): A Comprehensive Review and New Perspectives on a Fibrous Amphibole of Geological and Health Concern
Indelicato V.;Visalli R.;Cirrincione R.;Ricchiuti C.;Punturo R.Writing – Review & Editing
2026-01-01
Abstract
Highlights: What are the main findings? New petrographic and mineralogical observations from optical microscopy, stereomicroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) are reported on Fluoro-edenite, an asbestiform mineral (IMA approved in 2000), first identified and in the geological formations at Biancavilla town (Mt. Etna volcano, Italy). The most relevant studies carried out up to now on the “Biancavilla case” (Etna) are here reviewed and critically synthesized. Results based on monitoring activity of airborne fluoroedenite from 2009 up to 2024 highlighted a real improvement of Biancavilla town environmental situation and a gradual reduction of exposure as a consequence of the dust mitigation and remediation measures. What are the implications of the main findings? Fluoro-edenite occurrence within massive lava samples, beyond previously studied breccias and altered portions, adds a new dimension to risk assessment in the area of Biancavilla town. Fluoro-edenite in massive lava rocks opens new avenues for investigating the mineral’s genesis and growth mechanisms within solid rock Continuous environmental monitoring should be rigorously maintained, particularly during high-risk activities involving fibre release, such as excavations and demolitions, in order to prevent potential adverse health effects on population. The present review paper focuses on the peculiar environmental and health implications of fibrous amphibole “fluoro-edenite”, a new mineral first reported in Biancavilla (Etna Mount, Sicily, Italy). Its presence has been linked to an unusually high incidence of malignant pleural mesothelioma, as seen from national surveys during 1988–1997, marking the first case study of natural occurrence of fibrous amphibole in a volcanic context. Despite remediation efforts since the cessation of quarrying activities at the “Il Calvario” quarry, the risk of fiber exposure may extend beyond urban areas to surrounding soils and volcanic formation, not fully characterized yet. This review synthesizes relevant existing literature on mineralogical and chemical features of fluoro-edenite, while also enriching current understanding with new observations from optical microscopy, stereomicroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Our analyses reveal the presence of fluoro-edenite amphibole not only in the altered samples but, significantly, within the massive rock samples. This finding expands its known distribution and offers initial consideration on public health implications related to massive lava rock, which crops out. This study highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring, detailed geological surveys, and further research into fiber occurrences and distribution in the volcanic systems, of which Mt. Etna represents the first case of natural occurrences, in order to fully assess their impact on public health.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
