Effect of the shape of mica particles on the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha in mouse macrophages.

Objectives: Micas are thin, sheetlike minerals that are abundant in rocks and sand. They are common components of resuspended road dust in spring in Finland. The proinflammatory potential of mica particles was studied.

Evaluation of exposure to man-made vitreous fibers by nasal lavage.

The objectives of this study were to develop a biomonitoring method for the assessment of exposure to man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF), to examine the level of exposure to MMVF in the prefabricated house industry, and to study nasal inflammatory reactions and respiratory symptoms associated with MMVF among workers. Nasal lavage was performed on workers from two factories, and concentrations of MMVF were measured by electron microscopy. Cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma) were also assayed and inflammatory cells (lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, and macrophages) were counted microscopically.