CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS IS THE MAIN CAUSE OF PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA

The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America

Asbestos inhalation is an established cause of cancer in humans, particulary malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer. It is the main cause of cancer resulting from workplace exposure to carcinogens.

Despite extensive cancer studies in humans, certain controversies remain about asbestos exposure and human cancer. The primary controversy is the question of fiber type in causation of mesothelioma. Commericial use of asbestos mainly involves the two amphibole fiber types, crodidolite and amosite and one serpentine fiber type. However, chrysotile asbestos is often contaminated with small amounts of tremolite, an amphibole fiber. The key questions concern whether or not, and to what extent, exposure to chrysotile asbestos (including its natural contaminant tremolite)causes mesothelioma in humans. While there is evidence that chrysotile asbestos is not a potent cause of malignant mesothelioma (EPA. 1986: Doll and Peto, 1985).

The role of chrysotile in the causation of pleural mesothelioma is still disputed.

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