ROLE OF BIOPERSISTENCE IN THE PATHOGENICITY OF MAN-MADE FIBERS AND METHODS FOR EVALUATING BIOPERSISTENCE - A SUMMARY OF 2 ROUND-TABLE DISCUSSIONS

This paper summarizes two roundtable discussions held at the conclusio n of the International Conference on Biopersistence of Respirable Synt hetic Fibres and Minerals. The first round table addressed the role of biopersistence in the pathogenicity of fiber-induced disease. The pan el included T. W. Hesterberg (Chairman), J.M.G. Davis, K. Donaldson, B . Fubini, N.F. Johnson, G. Oberdoeister, P. Sebastien, and D. Warheit. The second panel addressed the issue of methods for assessing biopers istence. It included R.O. McClellan (Chairman), J. Brain, A. Langer. A . Morgan, C. Morscheidt, H. Muhle, and R. Musselman. The two chairmen acknowledge the excellent contributions of all the members of the pane ls, whose comments formed the basis of this summary. Nonetheless, the authors assume full responsibility for the written text, recognizing t hat it was not reviewed by the discussants of the two panels.