[Inhaled insoluble fibres--a significant health problem].

A survey of experimentally and/or epidemiologically proved effects of most frequent insoluble airborne fibres is presented. The most important health-related properties of fibres, important in the quantitative health risk assessment and prognosis, are described. The difference is emphasized between the effects of various asbestos types as well as the difference of toxicity and carcinogenicity between carcinogenic asbestos fibres and the fibres recommended as substitutes for asbestos.