[Biological responses of tin mine particles and their association with adverse effects on health in tin mine].

Objective: To evaluate the biological and toxicity of tin mine particles mixed with crystalline silica using an in vitro test, and to compare to the pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis and lung cancer.

Methods: Respirable particle samples were sampled from four tin mines, in which elevated mortality of pneumoconiosis and lung cancer were reported in miners exposed to particles. Alveolar macrophages (AM) are considered as the target cells of primary dust effects.

Biological responses of workplace particles and their association with adverse health effects on miners.

Epidemiological research has demonstrated the relationship between exposure to quartz dust and an elevated risk of pneumoconiosis and possible elevated risk of cancer. The current study was designed to evaluate the biological responses of workplace particles containing crystalline silica using an in vitro cell test. Respirable particle samples were sampled from four tin mines, where the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for pneumoconiosis was 51.