Electron microscopy analysis of mineral fibers in human lung tissue

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1992 · American Journal of Industrial Medicine; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.4700220105· OSTI ID:7175183

Friedrichs, K H; Brockmann, M; Fischer, M; Wick, G ^[1]

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1. Medical Institute of Environmental Hygiene, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf (Germany)

In the present study, lung samples from 126 autopsied cases were examined to determine the content of mineral fibers using analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM). The cases were divided into four groups (22 lungs of persons exposed to ambient environmental pollution, 32 cases of mesothelioma, 38 cases of primary lung cancer, and 34 asbestosis cases, 13 of these with additional pleural plaques). Fibers were counted, measured, and mineralogically identified using a combination of X-ray microanalysis and electron diffraction of the non-oriented fiber. Concentration of fibrous particles (defined as particles above 1 micron in length with roughly parallel long sides and an aspect ratio of 5:1 and greater) was calculated as fibers 10(6)/g dry lung weight. The concentration of chrysotile was found to be similar throughout the groups except for two cases in the asbestosis group with comparably high numbers of chrysotile. However, a remarkable difference for amphiboles could be observed between the groups. Asbestos bodies were mostly found in the asbestosis group. There was a rather good correlation between numbers of amphibole fibers and asbestos bodies, with an average ratio of 10:1. For comparison purposes between occupationally exposed/non-exposed individuals, a transition was found in the concentration range of 3-10(7) asbestos fibers/g dried lung weight.

• OSTI ID: 7175183
• Journal Information: American Journal of Industrial Medicine; (United States), Journal Name: American Journal of Industrial Medicine; (United States) Vol. 22:1; ISSN AJIMD8; ISSN 0271-3586
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
ASBESTOS
AUTOPSY
BODY
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRON MICROPROBE ANALYSIS
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
FIBERS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INHALATION
INTAKE
IONIZING RADIATIONS
LUNGS
MAMMALS
MAN
MICROANALYSIS
MICROSCOPY
NONDESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS
ORGANS
PARTICLE SIZE
PRIMATES
RADIATIONS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SENSITIVITY
SIZE
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
VERTEBRATES
X RADIATION