Mesothelioma is the hallmark malignancy of asbestos exposure. Which fibre type carries the HIGHEST carcinogenic risk for mesothelioma?

• A Chrysotile (white asbestos) — serpentine fibres
• B Amosite (brown asbestos) — amphibole fibres
• C Tremolite — amphibole fibres
• D Crocidolite (blue asbestos) — amphibole fibres ✓

Explanation

Crocidolite (blue asbestos, an amphibole fibre) carries the highest mesothelioma risk because its long, thin, biopersistent fibres penetrate and accumulate in pleural tissue without being cleared. Chrysotile fibres are shorter and curly (serpentine), cleared more readily from the lung, and carry lower mesothelioma risk compared to amphiboles. Amosite is also high-risk, but crocidolite is considered the most potent mesothelioma inducer per fibre. All asbestos types are carcinogenic (IARC Group 1).

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.