[Chrysotile asbestos in Russia: certain results and promising research directions]

The article summarizes studies carried in RAMSc Research Institute for Occupational Medicine on chrysotile asbestos. Not denying potential carcinogenicity characteristic for all kinds of asbestos, those studies stress low biologic aggression of chrysotile asbestos during occupational exposure, even if the excessive MAC is demonstrated formerly in asbestos industry enterprises. Work with chrysotile asbestos, as every one in mining industry, requires not ban, but accomplishment of proper measures aimed to prevent pneumoconiosis and dust bronchitis. The article demonstrates unique experience of Russian scientists--evaluation of exposure to chrysotile without admixtures and amphibole additives. The authors define prospective research trends that, if being international, could correctly solve problems associated with further use of chrysotile asbestos, rising no "anti-asbestos" boom.