Can ceramic fibers cause cancer?

Ceramic fibers, particularly those that are man-made and used in various industrial applications, have been classified as potentially carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Prolonged exposure to these fibers can lead to the development of lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare cancer affecting the protective lining of the body's organs. The risk is associated with inhalation of these fibers, which can cause inflammation and DNA damage in lung tissue. However, not all ceramic fibers pose the same level of risk, and the extent of danger depends on factors such as fiber type, length, biopersistence, and the duration and intensity of exposure.