Experimental studies on mineral fibre carcinogenesis: an overview.

The major properties of mineral fibres that relate to carcinogenesis are the length and diameter of the fibres, a fact known for many years, and their chemical composition that enables them to remain in tissues for long periods without dissolving. This has been appreciated more recently. In stating that carcinogenicity depends on length, diameter and durability, however, it is important to examine the evidence on which these suggestions are based and consider if other factors may also be involved.