In vitro biological activity and mechanisms of carcinogenic diseases induced by mineral fibres

The mechanisms of disease of the six naturally occurring asbestos fibres have been studied for decades although critical questions still remain. With the advent of cell and molecular biology, in vitro models have been developed that enable use of sophisticated analytical tools and important collaborations between biologists, geologists, and experts in the chemical/physical characterization of not only asbestos, but other minerals in the environment that may have disease potential. This chapter stresses the fact that a number of cellular organelles participate in mineral fibre toxicity and describes the primary properties of pathogenic mineral fibres. In addition, it summarizes new directions in testing of suspect carcinogenic fibres in Italy.