Asbestos-induced cell damage is initiated by a reaction at the plasma
membrane. The effect of chrysotile (which is more hemolytic and releas
es more silicic acid than other types of asbestos) on permeability cha
nges of liposomes has been investigated. The destabilizing effect rise
s when the amount of chrysotile is increased. Silicon dioxide is one m
ajor constituent which could be a hemolytic agent, and a cause of dama
ge. It also caused an increase of permeability of liposomes.