Elongated particulate burden in an individual who died of mesothelioma and had an occupational history as a talc "mucker".

Introduction: Tissue from a 77-year-old man diagnosed with mesothelioma was referred with a request for identification of the presence of fibrous structures in tissue samples. The individual's work history including working as a "mucker" at a specific "industrial" talc mine.

Methods: Ferruginous bodies in the tissue digests as well as asbestos fibers were found.

A clinical evaluation and tissue fiber burden analysis of a lifetime resident of Libby, Montana with adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Introduction: Vermiculite mining operations near Libby, Montana were active from the 1920s to 1990. Rail facilities for shipment of the mined material as well as some vermiculite processing activities were ongoing within the community of Libby. A fibrous component within the mined material has been associated with asbestos-related diseases in vermiculite miners and in the local citizens of the community.

Tissue burden evaluation of elongated mineral particles in two individuals with mesothelioma and whose work history included manufacturing tile.

Two cases with diagnosis of mesothelioma were referred to our laboratories with a request for tissue burden analysis in order to determine the presence of ferruginous bodies and uncoated elongated mineral particles in tissue samples. The individuals shared in common a past background of working in tile manufacturing facilities where industrial talc was used in the production of the products. Both were found to have ferruginous bodies in their lung tissues as well as elongated talc fibers/ribbons and elevated numbers of noncommercial amphiboles in their tissues.

A clinical assessment and lung tissue burden from an individual who worked as a Libby vermiculite miner.

During its days of operation (1920s-1990), the world's largest source of vermiculite was extracted from a mine located near Libby, Montana. The material mined at this site was shipped for various commercial applications to numerous sites in the United States. There was a "fibrous" component with toxic potential within the vermiculite deposit that has resulted in "asbestos-like" diseases/deaths being reported in numerous studies involving miners as well as residents of the town of Libby.

Biodurability/retention of Libby amphiboles in a case of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is considered a signal tumor for exposure to asbestos (fibrous materials) and can occur decades after first exposure. The present case study reports on tissue burden of fibrous dust in a person who used a vermiculite material (Zonolite) as an attic insulator some 50 years prior to her death. The exposure occurred in two construction/renovation projects in her private residencies.

Mesothelioma in an individual following exposure to crocidolite-containing gaskets as a teenager.

Mesothelioma is considered a signal tumor for asbestos exposure and typically occurs decades after first exposure to asbestos. Tissue analysis often indicates past exposure to mixed types of asbestos. This report describes the case of a 58-year-old man who developed mesothelioma after reported exposure to crocidolite from asbestos-containing gaskets beginning at age 16 during three summers during high school and for approximately four hours per day during the last semester of his senior year.

A technical comparison of evaluating asbestos concentration by phase-contrast microscopy (PCM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM) as illustrated from data generated from a case report.

As reported in the literature, there are more than 30 different standard methods available for the analysis of asbestos in a variety of situations. The methods include those for determining asbestos concentration in air, water, bulk building materials, surface dust, soil, and lung tissue (Millette, 2006; Dodson, 2006). Knowledge of the various methodologies is essential in determining which methodology is appropriate for any given situation.