This review describes the structure, physicochemical properties and sources of asbestos as well as other mineral fibres in the
natural environment. The diversity of character and methods for the determination of airborne inorganic fibres are discussed with
particular attention to the biological effects on humans health. It also demonstrates the practical significance of asbestos.
This article also shows some possibilities transformation of asbestos containing materials into harmless products.
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.