Abstract
A series of uniform samples representing blends from different sources and types of asbestos were analyzed for nickel, chromium, cobalt and manganese. The bulk samples and the less than 10-micron size fractions were analyzed separately. The metals soluble in bovine serum were determined for the less than 10-micron fractions. Free silica content was also determined. The degree of solubility of the same metal varied considerably by source and type of asbestos. Chrysotile had greater amounts of nickel and chromium whereas Amosite was higher in manganese. Crocidalite had the lowest metal content.