Occupational Particles Silica and Asbestos

Occupational exposures to silica and asbestos are associated with lung injury in humans. This can include an irritant bronchitis, bronchiolitis, focal emphysema, pneumoconioses, an increased incidence of tuberculosis, bronchogenic carcinoma, pleural effusions and plaques, and mesothelioma. Industrialization greatly increased both the number of workers with a significant exposure to these mineral oxides and the incidence of disease after their exposure. Lung injury after silica and asbestos continues to result in a significant human morbidity and mortality, despite predictions of its pending elimination. 

Marcel Dekker, Inc. 270Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016 

In Vitro Release of Mediators Associated with Acute Inflammation and Chronic Fibrosis 

Cytokines released by pertinent cell types after either in vitro or ex vivo exposures can include IL-1, IL-8, TNF-a, and (IFN-y, 43,50,68,75). TNF-a is 

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