ABSTRACT
Chrysotile is the predominant type of asbestos used in the United States and most
other countries historically, and thus represents the most important source of
exposure to asbestos already in place. Chrysotile use in developing countries is
increasing. While all types of asbestos are regulated equally in the United States
[1, 2], some continue to maintain that chrysotile is less carcinogenic than other
asbestos types [3]. Supporting the strict regulation of chrysotile are studies of
textile workers exposed to chrysotile or predominantly chrysotile which have
consistently shown excess lung cancer and pneumoconiosis. These cohorts also
have demonstrated steep increases in the risk of lung cancer and pneumoconiosis
with cumulative asbestos exposure [4-8].
