Long and short amosite asbestos samples: comparison of chromosome-damaging effects to cells in culture with in vivo pathogenicity.

The pathogenic effects of asbestos in humans and laboratory animals are well documented, with lung tumours and mesothelioma amongst the major pathologies being produced (Davis and Donaldson 1993). The ability of asbestos and other fibres to damage chromosomes of cells in culture has also been demonstrated (eg Hesterberg and Barrett 1990) and this has been considered to be a likely factor in its toxicity, particularly its carcinogenic action. However, few laboratories have had the opportunity to study the pathogenic effects of defined fibre samples and, using the same samples, examine their clastogenic effects.