Multiple modes of action of asbestos and related mineral fibers

Abstract

It is recognized that there are still many data gaps in the field of asbestos research. Workshop participants agreed that these gaps should be addressed with a structured, interdisciplinary, and well-funded research program. Despite the breadth of literature available on many asbestos fiber types, there is a lack of cohesiveness between most studies. There is considerable literature regarding mechanisms of asbestos-induced diseases; however, there often exists difficulty in comparing findings between studies and the models used and the characterization of the asbestos used, not to mention the variations of terminology for defining the fibrous particulates in a given study. The comprehensive reviews from this workshop will assist in better defining research approaches and initiatives that will advance our ability to prevent adverse health effects arising from exposure to asbestos and morphologically similar particulates. This issue of the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health includes all of these critical reviews of asbestos, with the goal of informing the mode of action of asbestos and determining data gaps and research needs in the field.