"Inhaled Asbestos Nanofibers' Size and Shape Linked to Lung Fibrosis Risk"

A study published in Nature Nanotechnology by a French-Chinese research team has found that the size and shape of inhaled nanofibers, such as those from asbestos or fiberglass, are key factors in causing pulmonary fibrosis, rather than their chemical composition. The inability of lung macrophages to engulf and digest nanofibers longer than 15 microns leads to harmful secretions that damage alveolar walls. This discovery, supported by in vitro experiments and rat studies, suggests that even inert nanofiber materials previously considered safe may pose significant health risks similar to asbestos when inhaled.