Dimensional determinants for the carcinogenic potency of elongate amphibole particles

Carcinogenic properties of particulates depend, among other factors, on dimensional characteristics that affect their ability to reach sensitive tissue, to be removed or retained, and to interact with the cells.

To model mesothelioma and lung cancer potency of amphibole particles based on their dimensional characteristics and mineral habit (asbestiform vs. nonasbestiform) utilizing epidemiological data and detailed size information.

The datasets from recently created depository of dimensional information of elongate mineral particles were used to correlate mesothelioma and lung cancer potency with the fraction of particles in a specific size range and the ratio of length and width in different powers. In addition, the cancer potency factors were estimated and compared for 30 asbestiform, 15 nonasbestiform, and 10 mixed datasets.

For particles longer than 5 µm, the highest correlation with mesothelioma potency was achieved for width <0.22 µm, and with lung cancer <0.28 µm. The statistical power of the correlation was observed to lose significance at a maximum width of 0.6-0.7 µm. Mesothelioma potency correlated with length in the power of 1.9 divided by width in the power of 2.97, lung cancer potency with length in the power of 0.4 divided by width in the power of 1.17. The predicted cancer potencies of asbestiform, nonasbestiform, and mixed categories were significantly different.

While additional studies in this direction are warranted, this paper should serve as an additional confirmation for the role of fiber dimensions in the carcinogenicity of amphibole elongate mineral particles (EMPs).