Inorganic fibers inhalation

Health hazards associated with exposure to fibrous materials have been studied since the turn of the century. Fibers less than 5 microns in diameter are likely to become airborne and, as part of the enviromnent, may be inhaled or ingested. The relationship of fiber size to cell size and function, especially clearance once the fiber is inside the human body, sets off a cascade of events that can, and often does, lead to disease. The dimensions, dose, and durability of inorganic fibers are the salient determinants of disease (Lei-neweber, 1981). 

Warheit DB, Hartsky MA, McHugh TA, et al. 1994. Biopersistence of inhaled organic and inorganic fibers in the lungs of rats. Environ Health Perspect Suppl 102 151-157. 

Bronchogenic carcinoma (Table 3.3) is a thoracic neoplastic disease that has been associated with the inhalation of inorganic mineral fibers malignancy that arises in the bronchial epithelium. The carcinoma may be a squamous cell or adenocarcinoma, a small- or large-cell carcinoma, may or may not contain asbestos fibers, and may or may not be associated with asbestosis. 

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