Redefining idiopathic interstitial lung disease into occupational lung diseases by analysis of chemical composition of inhaled dust particles in induced sputum and/or lung biopsy specimens.

There has been increased public awareness of the potential danger from exposure to hazardous dust in various occupations. This study aims to validate the qualitative analysis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of lung samples by 1) correlation of induced sputum (IS) findings to clinical findings, 2) comparing hazardous particles in IS to those in biopsied lung specimens, and 3) assessing whether the particles present in the lungs of transplanted patients correlate with occupational history of dust exposure. Forty patients with occupational history were included; of whom 35 filled in questionnaires.

Detection of occult lung impairment in welders by induced sputum particles and breath oxidation.

Background: We evaluated particulate matter in combined induced sputum (IS) and oxidation in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) to test whether underlying inflammatory changes are present in asymptomatic welders.

Methods: Thirty welders from the Israel Defense Forces exposed to aluminum/iron (Group 1) or to cadmium/chromium/iron/lead/nickel (Group 2, N = 16) and 27 non-exposed administrators were studied. IS was recovered, particle size distribution, hydrogen peroxide and pH were measured, and exhaled breath condensate was collected.

Pulmonary fibrosis in a patient with exposure to glass wool fibers.

Glass wool or vitreous fibers are non-crystalline, fibrous inorganic substances (silicates) made primarily from rock, slag, glass, or other processed minerals. They belong to the man-made mineral fibers (MMMFs) group and their respiratory effects are well described by De Vuyst et al. [1995].

Atomic force and scanning electron microscopy of atmospheric particles.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) have been used for both morphological and elemental mass analysis study of atmospheric particles. As part of the geometrical particle analysis, and in addition to the traditional height profile measurement of individual particles, AFM was used to measure the volume relative to the projection area for each particle separately, providing a particle shape model. The element identification was done by the EDS analysis, and the element mass content was calculated based on laboratory calibration with particles of known composition.

Induced sputum assessment in New York City firefighters exposed to World Trade Center dust.

New York City Firefighters (FDNY-FFs) were exposed to particulate matter and combustion/pyrolysis products during and after the World Trade Center (WTC) collapse. Ten months after the collapse, induced sputum (IS) samples were obtained from 39 highly exposed FDNY-FFs (caught in the dust cloud during the collapse on 11 September 2001) and compared to controls to determine whether a unique pattern of inflammation and particulate matter deposition, compatible with WTC dust, was present. Control subjects were 12 Tel-Aviv, Israel, firefighters (TA-FFs) and 8 Israeli healthcare workers who were not exposed to WTC dust.