Mara Ghiazza (2002-2005)
PhD in Bio-Chemical Science

It is generally accepted that the variability of crystalline silica hazard stems from differences in surface properties among the various dust sources. However, the extent at which a given surface property governs the biological response elicited, is still a matter of debate. A tentative assignment of the various physico-chemical properties to the subsequent events taking place in the lung following the deposition of a quartz particle, in the alveolar space has been proposed (Fubini, 1998b; Fenoglio et al., 2000; Fubini et al., 2001; Fubini and Hubbard, 2003). 

Elisa Fornero (2002-2005)
PhD in Geological Sciences

A particle with one dimension much bigger than the others is defined “fibre”. Many minerals have this kind of habit and are defined “fibrous”. Asbestos is the most known group of fibrous minerals having in common the following chemical and physical characteristics: can be separated into long, thin, strong fibres and have sufficient flexibility to be woven; are heat resistant, chemically inert and electrical insulators (Veblen & Wylie, 1993).

Chiara Groppo (2002-2005)
PhD in Geological Sciences

Asbestos hazard in western Alps: petrology, characterization and quantitative determination of fibrous minerals in the asbestos-bearing serpentinites of the Piemonte Zone (Susa and Lanzo valleys)

The word "asbestos", that means unquenchable, is used for a group of silicate minerals occurring with a fibrous habit, belonging to the serpentine and amphibole families. According to the Italian Legislation (D.L. 15/08/91) the six fibrous silicates defined as asbestos are: chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite (fibrous varieties of grunerite and riebeckite, respectively), anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite. These minerals are made up of incombustible, chemically stable, inert, phono-absorbing, flexible and tensile fibers.

Giovanna Greco (2005-2008)
PhD in Bio-Chemical Sciences

Over the last two decades, there has been a very rapid implementation of nanotechnologies, which find practical applications in many fields of industry and daily life. Bio-nanotechnology and nanomedicine are dynamically developing fields of scientific interest and nanoparticles are studied as drug delivery systems in order to increase drug effectivness and limit the side effects.

Concerns about human and environmental exposures resulting in potential adverse effects have increased as well.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been reported to elicit toxic responses both in vitro and in vivo, ascribed so far to metal contamination, CNT length, degree of oxidation, or extent of hydrophilicity.