Israel, Gennelyn L.

Materials Science and Engineering

BSECE 3-1 Engr. Gallego, Marianito Jr.

4. Briefly describe Dolomites, identify its hazards, and justify its benefits.

Dolomite, often defined as "dolostone" or "dolomite rock," is a sedimentary rock largely

made up of the mineral dolomite, CaMg(CO3)2. Dolomite can be in sedimentary basins all over the
world. It's considered to develop when magnesium-rich groundwater alters lime mud and
limestone after they've been deposited. “Dolomite is a mineral consisting of calcium and
magnesium carbonate, which has an alkaline property and is used as a food supplement and, more
recently, in the form of masks for cosmetic treatments,” explains Renato Pazzini, MD, a
dermatologist at Albert Einstein and Oswaldo Cross Hospitals. Dolomite is found in abundance in
the geological record; however, it is hardly seen developing in sedimentary conditions. As a result,
most dolomites are thought to originate once lime muds or limestones undergo post-depositional
chemical changes.

Dolomite originates in the same sedimentary environments as limestone - warm, shallow,

marine environments where calcium carbonate mud accumulates in the form of shell debris, fecal
material, coral fragments, and carbonate precipitates. Dolomite is thought to form when
the calcite (CaCO3) in carbonate mud or limestone is modified by magnesium-rich groundwater.
The available magnesium facilitates the conversion of calcite into dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2). This
chemical change is known as "dolomitization." Dolomitization can completely alter a limestone into
a dolomite, or it can partially alter the rock to form a "dolomitic limestone." (King, H. 2019).
Dolomite is generally thought to be non-toxic and harmless. As a result, touching or even inhaling
dolomite presents no risk to one's health. It's known as a nuisance dust, which indicates that while
it can cause some discomfort in a person's lungs, it poses little risk. Other minerals, such as silica,
on the other hand, can injure a person's lungs if they inhale the dust. That's why N95 masks and
personal protective equipment (PPE) are required on construction sites and in companies that
handle and process dust-producing minerals.

Dolomite dust has been declared harmless by the Philippine Department of Health. This is primarily
owing to the particles being too large to be inhaled and hence unable to irritate the lungs.
 Some research, on the other hand, claim the opposite. Moreover, despite its reputation for safety,
there is little research available on the long-term effects of dolomite. Their findings suggest that,
while dolomite did not cause any significant harm, there is some indication that it is not as harmless
as it appears. It's likely that inhaling excessive volumes of dolomite dust will create lung difficulties
in the long run. Additionally, various safety sheets from building material firms recommend that
dolomite be handled with caution. Workers should avoid inhaling dolomite dust directly, according
to the experts. After handling dolomite dust, it's also a good idea to cleanse any exposed skin.
However, safety sheets for dolomite sand normally state that it is non-toxic and should not cause
harm when touched or inhaled.

Dolomite has a relaxing, anti-inflammatory, healing, and antibacterial function, which makes it ideal
for use on the skin to treat pain from burns and injuries. For years, this mineral has been utilized
as an alternative to a variety of aesthetic procedures like dental treatment, pain reliever, skin care,
and health treat pimples.

References

[1] King, H. (2019). Dolomite: A sedimentary rock known as dolostone or dolomite rock. Retrieved from
https://geology.com/rocks/dolomite.shtml

[2] Anonymous (n.d.). What is dolomite? Dolomite: what is it, what are the benefits. Retrieved February
15, 2022, Retrieved from https://fitness-andbeauty.com/en/dolomite-what-is-it-what-are-the-benefits/

[3] Anonymous (2020). White Sand in Manila Bay: Is Dolomite Dangerous to our Health? Retrieved from
https://hellodoctor.com.ph/respiratory-health/respiratory-issues/dolomite-health-hazards/