G. Rivolta

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cells in Occupational Exposure to Mineral Fibers

In the last decade, the possibility of obtaining informations on the cellular, biochemical and mineralogical content of the deep lung by studying bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid has largely increased our knowledge on the pulmonary reactions to inhalation of dusts. The lung effects of asbestos exposure are among the most extensively studied, but several problems remain open. In our institution, workers occupationally exposed to mineral fibers represent approximately one third of over 300 subjects investigated by BAL since 1983.

Talc Pneumoconiosis in Italy

Since the reports published in the United States on contamination of commercial talc with asbestiform fibres (Cralley et al, 1968; Dement et al, 1972; Snider et al, 1972; Rohl et al, 1976), much attention has been focused on the possible risks for exposed subjects. A recent survey by the National Health Institute in Italy (Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome) has reported that a large number of cosmetic talc products contaminated with chrysotile or, more often, with amphiboles are still on the Italian market; most of these contaminating fibres are ultramicroscopic in size (Paoletti et al, 1984). It has been demonstrated that contaminating fibres are also present in industrial talc (Marconi et al, 1986).