Mica pneumoconiosis

Abstract

Two men developed pneumoconiosis after grinding and packing powdered mica. The disease was characterised by progressive dyspnoea, a restrictive impairment of ventilation, a reduced transfer factor, and hypoxaemia. Radiographs showed widespread fine nodular and linear shadows. Progression occurred after cessation of exposure, but this was much more pronounced in the man who died from coronary artery disease. Postmortem examination showed widespread fine fibrosis and nodules measuring up to 1.5 cm in diameter, all related to the deposition of doubly refractile crystals. Mineral formed over 9% of dry tissue weight, and electron microscopy and X-ray analysis showed it to be muscovite. Other minerals were not found.