Solid-Phase Environmental Genotoxicity: In Vivo Veritas!

Specific genotoxicity of solid particles are discussed by using three different examples. Carcinogenic asbestos fibres have primary genotoxic effects as well, that can be studied in in vitro studies. Nevertheless, demonstration of their mesothelioma inducing effect is only possible in in vivo studies. Their carrier function seems to be essential for the biological activity. Carbon nanotubes do not show any genotoxic effects, but lack of their carcinogenicity is still debated. The size distribution is close to asbestos fibres and fibrils, after all, their biological behaviour are rather different. Medicinal muds used in balneotherapy and medical wellness consisting of suspensionscause dermal exposure of patients. Some kinds of these muds may have genotoxicity but probably not the particles themselves, rather their extractable chemical fractions. Ethical aspects of environmental health studies on particles are also discussed.