Nomination Summary for Bentonite (N98018)
Nominated Substances: Bentonite
Nomination Date: 08/14/1998
Nominator: NIOSH
Rationale: Bentonite is nominated for chronic inhalation studies to determine its potential to cause fibrotic lung disease. Reports note a relatively high incidence of fibrotic lung disease in workers exposed to bentonite. This elevated incidence rate has been ascribed to silica, which is present in varying degrees in bentonite. However, there is some evidence that bentonite itself can cause pneumoconiosis. Bentonite has a high potential for occupational exposure, and is currently not regulated in the workplace.