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This paper presents the results of the mineralogical, petrographic and chemical study of different archaeological samples related to terracruda sculptures and other elements that were part of the architectural decoration of the Buddhist sites of Tepe Narenj and Qol‐e‐tut (Kabul, Afghanistan; fifth to 11th centuries CE). The main objective of the study was to characterize the samples using an archaeometric approach. The study helped to better understand the materials involved in the modeling of Afghan sculptures and their processing, such as the different nature of the clay layers and the finishing 'stucco' coating. The results further indicate that similarities exist among the manufacturing process of the studied samples and that used today by an ancient caste of clay artists in West Bengal (India), suggesting the existence of a continuous technological tradition that deserves to be further explored in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally accepted by the scientific community that various factors such as morphometry, biodurability and chemistry contribute to the toxic potential of elongated mineral particles. As far as the chemical composition is concerned, in addition to its major structural elements, asbestos Elongated Mineral Particles (EMPs) may contain various Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs), which could play an important role in pathological effects on human health. In this study, the concentration levels of PTEs in two actinolite elongated mineral particles and two host-serpentinite rocks, were determined by means of inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy with optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The present work aims to provide a contribution to the already existent literature studies focusing on asbestos-related toxicity with new chemical data of actinolite EMPs and host-serpentinite rocks accommodating PTEs. Study samples come from the Southern Apennine thrust belt in Basilicata region (Southern Italy), where asbestos-bearing outcrops are documented in the literature and induced pathogenic effects have been reported so far. Geochemical results of actinolite samples revealed high concentrations of toxic elements especially Cr and Ni with values ranging between 158-870 ppm and 20-103 ppm respectively. Similarly, analyzed bulk serpentinite rocks showed Cr and Ni critical concentrations. Based on the obtained results it is possible to assert that populations living in areas with amphibole asbestos occurrences within serpentinite outcrops, such as the studied cases, are potentially exposed to health risks related to the presence of significant amounts of PTEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health risks are often overlooked when the consequences are not evident in the short term. In restoration work, some activities can generate particles that may affect the health of workers through inhalation (e.g., cleaning of buildings or heritage artifacts composed of stone). Workers at quarries are also exposed to such materials and, therefore, the results of our work can help to increase the risk perception in workers from the stone sector, but also in construction workers in an environment associated with dust. To demonstrate the importance of protection to prevent health hazards, we laser-ablated some samples of serpentinite that contain serpentine minerals as major phase minerals. The powder obtained in filters coupled to the ablation laser was analysed, using tools such as an optical microscope, X-ray powder diffraction, a transmission electron microscope and thermal analysis. The results were very didactic, and the intention is to use them, by way of graphics and diagrams, to build information security sheets that will alert workers to the need of using masks when working, or to use tools with coupled filters such as the one used for our study. The main goal is to demonstrate that the interdisciplinary combination of scientific approaches can be used for the sake of human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]