International Clay Conference

We are seeking abstract submissions for the upcoming International Clay Conference, scheduled from 14-20 June, 2009 in Castellaneta, Italy (see http://www.14icc.org/). Our session (HE1) deals with monitoring, identification, and quantification of asbestos associated with human exposures. These studies are very important to both the regulatory community, because special precautions must be taken when asbestos is found in significant amounts to warrant government intervention, and industry, which is charged with providing us the natural resources required for modern life. Different techniques of monitoring and analysis are necessary depending on where the asbestos occurs (e.g., air, water, soil, rocks, biological materials, asbestos-containing materials, their transformation products, and even inside the human body). This session will: 1) present the state-of-the-art in monitoring techniques which are considered the most suitable for the different materials in which asbestos can occur; 2) compare various analytical methods; 3) exchange information about the advances in this topic; and 4) develop interdisciplinary collaborations.Note the abstract deadline is 31 December, 2008.The conveners of the session are:Elena Belluso • elena.belluso@unito.itMickey Gunter • mgunter@uidaho.edu