Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology => Topic started by: nudephil on 28/09/2020 18:08:00

Title: What is the science around dolomite sand?
Post by: nudephil on 28/09/2020 18:08:00

Here's a question sent in by Razel:

I'm from Philippines and I know you've already heard the news about the Manila Bay white sand.

What is the science around dolomite sand, and does it have health related risks?

Can anyone answer?

Title: Re: What is the science around dolomite sand?
Post by: Bored chemist on 28/09/2020 22:46:07

I didn't hear about it. It seems to me to be rather foolish unless they are sure that it won't do harm to the people or to the environment.
Looking on Wiki suggests that they have not done that.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manila_Bay_Beach

For example this
"However, after the health department learned from the DENR that dolomite used for the artificial beach is two to five millimeters or 100 times bigger than dust, it released an advisory that dolomite used in the Manila Bay Beach won't pose health hazard since it won't get suspended in the air"
suggests that they do not realise that people and the waves will crush the dolomite particles to dust, or that they do realise this, but are not interested in telling the truth.