Effects of fiber characteristics on lung deposition, retention, and disease.

摘要: There is abundant epidemiologic evidence that asbestos fibers can cause lung fibrosis (asbestosis), bronchial cancer, and mesothelioma in humans, as well limited for such effects workers exposed to slag rockwool fibers. Epidemiological human disease from inhalation exposures conventional fibrous glass negative. While health concerns based on the morphological toxicological similarities between man-made are warranted, it important note most of fiber toxicity laboratory animals nonphysiological intratracheal instillation or intraperitoneal injection suspensions. Man-made have produced mesotheliomas tests, albeit at much lower yields than asbestos. For all durable mineral fibers, critical length limits must be exceeded warrant concern about chronic toxicity; i.e., 2 microns asbestosis, 5 mesothelioma, 10 cancer. Fiber width less 0.1 larger this limit asbestosis The risks products either low negligible a variety reasons. First, commercial mean diameters approximately 7.5 microns, which results aero-dynamic 22 microns. Thus, even if dispersed into air, do not penetrate any great extent. Second, small fraction smaller diameter lungs persistent within due mechanical breakage shorter lengths overall dissolution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)