Research Watch: Asbestos Institute Study Says Chrysotile Clears Quickly, Easily from the Lungs

QUEBEC - A recent study funded by The Asbestos Institute shows that chrysotile asbestos fibers may be cleared from the lungs more easily than previously thought, and in shorter time than amphibole fibers.

photo-5The study, which was released in September and slated to appear in an upcoming issue of Journal Inhalation Toxicity, reports that chrysotile fibers are rapidly removed from the lung by natural digestion. In studies analyzing the effects of longer fibers - those exceeding 20 micrometers - clearance from the lung took just 16 days, the researchers said, noting that by the 16-day mark, many of the …