[Rockhounds] Toxic Minerals

[DonH]

B & B wrote:
> Hello Everybody: 
>  
> I want to thank every body for there help. This was not quite what I was after. 


Hi,

Given all that we DON'T know about the health effects of particulates, 
the best recommendation is to always wear respiratory protection when 
cutting dry.  I also recommend cutting with lubrication whenever feasible.

I could be wrong, but I don't think you'll find a complete, 
comprehensive, and well-research list of the effects of every mineral. 
Besides, health effects are usually researched based on mineral species, 
and if you are truly cutting rocks, rocks can contain a number of 
species which may or may not be apparent.  Minerals also contain trace 
elements and contaminants.  Some faceters like to cut sphalerite, which 
is zinc sulfide, but often contains cadmium.  Breathing zinc sulfide 
dust is not recommended in any case, but the cadmium adds more risk.

best,
Don