Asbestos affects the in vitro uptake and detoxification of aromatic compounds.

A number of mineral dusts were tested for their ability to catalyze the transformation of benzo(a)pyrene from the microcrystalline state into lipid solution. The findings of Lakowicz and his co-workers, that fibrous dusts were more active than nonfibrous dusts, were confirmed. Macromolecular binding metabolites of BaP were formed in A549 cells to a similar extent whether the BaP was added in solution or adsorbed to fibers; however, the level of water-soluble metabolites was lower in cultures treated with adsorbed hydrocarbon. It was found that asbestos can also inhibit the accumulation of 1-naphthyl glucuronide in cultures treated with 1-naphthol. The significance of this in asbestos pathogenesis is briefly discussed.