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120 The Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Volume III - 2011 120 Asbestos and Mesothelioma in Thailand The findings in this study of asbestos bodies in the lungs indicate that the citizens of Thailand have the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres, most probably from the general atmospheric contaminants. With the evidence that positive case has occurred in person as young as 5-month-old which most probably arose from inhalation of the mineral fibres from the use of baby talc powder. Asbestos Air Pollution in Bangkok Metropolis (30) In order to substantiate the hypothesis of airborne pollution as the contributing source of asbestos bodies in the lungs of Thais in the previous studies (27,28) a further investigation was carried out in the Bangkok area during the dry season of the year 1984. Two hundred and three samples were collected from 10 different main streets during week-day rush hours (8:30-9:30 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m.). The results of the study showed an absolute absence of asbestos fibres. Although the negative findings do not indicate an inhalation route of asbestos entry into the lungs, there remains the possibility of occasional contamination of the air from potential sources of asbestos pollution in some localities during extremely rough weather. Ingestion of contaminated food and drinks could also be a route of entry. Asbestos in Vermiculite (31-34) Vermiculite is a mineral ore that has been used commercially in insulation for buildings, potting soil and fertilizer, among others. Some of this mineral is known to contain types of naturally occurring asbestos called tremolite and acinolite, to which people can be exposed to by inhaling or ingestion. Figure 7. Vermiculite 113-125_mac9 5/3/12, 11:19 PM 120