Occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by fossil-containing rocks.

Aims: We present a hypersensitivity immune response to inhalation of antigens from fossil soils frequently used in tile manufacture. We found that the soil polished by a worker affected by pneumonitis was a paleosol containing bivalves from the cretaceous period called Hippurites.

Methods: We made a diagnostic study for pneumonitis (analysis, microbiology, radiology, high-resolution CT, bronchoalveolar lavage, pulmonary biopsy.