Synthetic hydrosilicate nanotubes induce low pro‐inflammatory and cytotoxic responses compared to natural chrysotile in lung cell cultures

Asbestos (Mg‐hydrosilicate; chrysotile) is known to cause pleural diseases, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancers, via mechanisms strongly depending on diameter‐length ratio and possibly metal content. A critical question is whether synthetic hydrosilicate nanotubes (NTs) of short length possess little toxic potential compared to chrysotile. Five Mg‐ and two NiNTs of different lengths were assessed for cytotoxicity and pro‐inflammatory responses...