![]() ![]() μXRF analyses of asbestos bodies and particulates in human lung tissue. Toxicity and carcinogenicity of asbestos must be connected to the specific chemical composition and physical and surface properties of the material that differentiate asbestos from other inhaled micro and nano pollutants (such as those from urban life).įigure 1. ![]() The exact mechanism of formation is still poorly understood, while the ability of asbestos to attract and absorb iron on the surface is recognised as a central process to explain asbestos toxicity. Asbestos is considered the most potent carcinogen of mineral origin.Īsbestos exposure is histologically recognised in lung tissues by the presence of the asbestos bodies, which are biopersistent structures formed by the deposition of high quantities of iron containing proteins (mainly ferritin) around the inhaled asbestos fibres ( Figure 1). Asbestos inhalation causes a chronic inflammation process called asbestosis, which in most unfortunate cases triggers tumoral transformation in the lung and the pleura. Among environmental and occupational inhalants, asbestos exposure is undoubtedly the most risky condition. A large number of pulmonary diseases are induced by the effects of nano- and micro- particulates in inhalants, in particular cigarette smoke, environmental pollution or as a consequence of occupational exposure. ![]()
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