Asbestiform Amphiboles and Cleavage Fragments Analogues: Overview of Critical Dimensions, Aspect Ratios, Exposure and Health Effects

摘要: The term asbestos refers to a group of serpentine (chrysotile) and amphibole (amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite actinolite) minerals with fibrous habit. Their chemical-physical properties make them one the most important inorganic materials for industrial purposes technological applications. However, extraction, use marketing these have been prohibited due proven harmful effects, mainly involving respiratory system. In addition known six classified as asbestos, natural amphiboles polymorphs antigorite lizardite, despite having same composition do not morphology. These develop chemical geometric (length > 5 μm, width 3:1), but morphological, analogies which is regulated by WHO. debate about their potential hazardous open ongoing; therefore, morphological characterization has key role in establishing reliable hazard scenario. This review focuses on evaluating relevant papers, evidencing need reappraisal. Different vitro, vivo epidemiological studies report information cleavage fragments critical dimensions similar fibres, very few works target below µm length. Breathable smaller fibres could deleterious effects human health cannot be disregarded from risk assessment process. Furthermore, suggest that carcinogenic nature short excluded. highlights it worth investigating this size range elongated mineral particles fibres.