Toxicological evaluation of quartz and silica contents in studded tire-generated dust in the city of Sendai.

Roadside dust samples were collected at six locations in the City of Sendai at the end of the winter season of 1980-1981, and analyzed for quartz and silica contents. X-ray diffraction and ICP analyses revealed that the mean quartz and silica contents in dust samples were 14.6% (ranging from 12.2 to 19.4%) and 56.3% (53.7 to 59.7%), respectively. From these results in connection with current dust levels and estimated duration of exposure, it appears likely that the risk of silicosis among the citizens may not be high if appropriate measures are taken to protect the atmosphere.