LUNG DUST ANALYSIS IN THE ASSESSMENT OF PAST EXPOSURE OF MAN-MADE MINERAL FIBER WORKERS

In the cohort of American MMMF workers reported by ENTERLINE et al. [Ann. occup.Hyg. 31,625-656 (1987)] autopsies were recorded in 652 (13.5%) of 4840 deaths. Lung tissue samples were sought from all pathologists and obtained in 145 (22.2%), together with similar samples from 124 matched referents. Lung fibre counts by phase contrast microscopy were 60% higher (P ≤ 0.05) in workers than referents. Electron microscopy (ATEM) also showed more fibres of all kinds- MMMF, asbestos and other-but no convincing excess of any one type. Lung samples of only 26% of workers contained any MMMF, almost all siliceous in nature and in low concentration. There were too few cases of lung cancer (19) for any useful conclusion; however, in the plant with the highest lung cancer SMR (200), and a probable mesothelioma, amosite at ≫ 1.0 fibres per μg (f μg-1) was found in four of six workers but in none of their matched referents. Although our findings contribute little to the interpretation of the results obtained by ENTERLINE et al. they indicate the potential value of tissue analyses in monitoring epidemiological studies of MMMF exposure. © 1990, British Occupational Hygiene Society.