An Update on the Detoxification Processes for Silica Particles and Asbestos Fibers: Successess and Limitations

Abstract

Inhalation of asbestos fibers and crystalline silica produces a number of diseases including fibrosis and cancer. Investigations into the mechanisms involved in mineral particle-induced toxicity indicated the importance of their surfaces in the pathological consequences. Masking of the surface sites has therefore featured prominently in a number of detoxification processes that have been investigated. The majority of the detoxification processes were, however, conducted to elucidate the involvement of a particular surface site in the toxicity of a specific mineral. Others were investigated with the aim of large industrial applications to be applied during mining, handling, processing, transporting, and disposing of minerals. It can be concluded that, to date, there is no single detoxification process that could be applied universally to all different types of mineral particles. Those that have shown some success could not completely abolish all adverse effects. Further elucidation of mechanisms of particle-induced toxicity may open new possibilities for detoxification processes. The author thanks Professor J. C. A. Davies for his constructive comments and for proofreading the manuscript of this article.