Chrysotile asbestos is progressively converted into a non-fibrous amorphous material by the chelating action of lichen metabolites.
A natural deactivation of chrysotile asbestos occurs on serpentinite rocks where lichens selectively grow on the fibres and secrete metabolites, including oxalic acid, which, in the long term, turn the fibres into a non-toxic amorphous material.
Favero-Longo
Sergio E
SE
University of Torino and Interdepartmental Centre G. Scansetti for Studies on Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulates, Italy.
Turci
Francesco
F
Tomatis
Maura
M
Castelli
Daniele
D
Bonfante
Paola
P
Hochella
Michael F
MF
Piervittori
Rosanna
R
Fubini
Bice
B
D017632:Asbestos, Serpentine / Q000737:chemistry*; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D008011:Lichens / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D019815:Oxalic Acid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry
D017632:Asbestos, Serpentine; D002614:Chelating Agents; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D019815:Oxalic Acid