title: The role of asbestos fiber dimensions in the prevention of mesothelioma.
abstract: A recent interpretation of the pathogenetic role of asbestos fiber size in the development of mesothelioma and in the possibility of mesothelioma prevention needs clarification. This point of view is based on a biased interpretation of the literature. Epidemiologic, experimental, and molecular evidence suggests that the arguments for the role of fiber size relative to dose, dose-response effect, and genetic susceptibility are scientifically unsound. Their proponent also states that means available in the past for the implementation of dust-control measures and/or personal protective equipment would not have contributed to reducing the frequency of mesothelioma among exposed subjects, an argument again based on invalid assumptions.
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tomatis
authors.forename: Susanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cantoni
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Carnevale
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Merler
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mollo
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ricci
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Silvestri
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vineis
authors.forename: Benedetto
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Terracini
mesh_terms: D001194:Asbestos / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019016:Mineral Fibers; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010316:Particle Size; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D019016:Mineral Fibers; D001194:Asbestos