Lung Retained Minerals Correlated with Smoking, Emphysema and Lung Cancer

Abstract

The human lung is an effective filter for collecting airborne particles. For over 20 years it has been possible to analyze these particles, the main intrest having been focused on fibers. Mineral particles, metal dust and fume particles constitute an important fraction of the air pollutants to which everyone is exposed, but little information is available concerning the burden of such particles in the lungs (Churg and Wiggs 1985, Churg and Wiggs 1987, Paoletti et al. 1987). It is necessary to know the basic pulmonary level of inhaled particles in general population, when estimating lung particle burden from occupational exposure.