What is the role of macrophages in the context of asbestos exposure?

Macrophages play a crucial role in the immune response to asbestos exposure, and their primary function is to engulf and digest foreign particles, including asbestos fibers. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become trapped in the lung tissue. Macrophages attempt to eliminate these fibers by ingesting them. However, asbestos fibers are physically and chemically resistant to digestion. As a result, the macrophages can become activated and release inflammatory mediators, causing further damage to lung tissue. This persistent inflammation can lead to serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and pleural diseases.

In this context, option B accurately describes the role of macrophages as they attempt to digest the trapped asbestos fibers, which unfortunately leads to lung damage due to the release of inflammatory substances. The other options describe functions or responses that do not align with the biological behavior of macrophages in the presence of asbestos.