Inhaled<unk>  fibres enter the upper and lower respiratory tracts when<unk>  is released into the air. Some of the inhaled fibers are cleared by the mucociliary clearance mechanism but long thin<unk>  fibers may reach the lower airways and alveoli, and can be retained in the lungs for many years. Amphibole fibers are not cleared as effectively as serpentines and therefore accumulate more readily in the distal lung parenchyma.<unk>  fibres are recognised by the lungs as foreign bodies and cause the activation of the lung’s local immune system leading to inflammation, cell and tissue damage. In the long term, this can lead to fibrosis, or rarely to malignancy. From the lungs, some<unk>  fibres (mainly short fibres) can also migrate to pleural and peritoneal spaces.
Asbestos-related diseases
Coalworker's pneumoconiosis
Asbestosis
Organic dust toxic syndrome
Silicosis
Occupational lung disease
Air pollution
Mineral dust airway disease