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Induction of chromosome changes in Chinese hamster cells by exposure to asbestos fibres

Abstract

THE occurrence of pleural and peritoneal mesotheliomata is linked with the inhalation of asbestos fibres1,2. Experimentally, mesotheliomata have been induced by the intrapleural inoculation of asbestos fibres into rats3. These findings suggest that the incorporation of the fibres disturbs processes at the cellular level. The possibility that they induce chromosome abnormalities was indicated by V. Timbrell (personal communication) and we have investigated it further using cultured Chinese hamster cells.

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References

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  2. Biological Effects of Asbestos, IARC Scientific Publications No. 8. (International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyons, 1973).

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SINCOCK, A., SEABRIGHT, M. Induction of chromosome changes in Chinese hamster cells by exposure to asbestos fibres. Nature 257, 56–58 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/257056a0

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