Abstract: To look for an ideal chemical for surface modification of asbestos , the effect s of aluminium cit rate ,mixed rare earths and sodium selenite on the induction of chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) by chrysotile in human embryo lung cells were observed. The result s showed that chrysotile caused increases of chromosomal aberrations and SCEs in HEL cells , but the three compounds - pret reated chrysotile induced less chromosomal aberrations and SCEs than the native chrysotile. These result s indicated that the pret reatment of chrysotile with three compounds can inhibite the damage effect s of chrysotile on the chromosome of HEL cells and may reduce the carcinogenicity of chrysotile.

Key words: Asbestos, Human embryo lung cells, Chromosomal aberrations, Sister chromatid exchanges