Analysis of tissue mineral fiber content

The development of techniques for assaying the mineral fiber content of tissues has provided the opportunity to correlate the occurrence of various fiber-related diseases with the cumulative fiber burdens in the target organ. Exposure to mineral fibers generally occurs through the inhalation of airborne fibers, and thus the respiratory tract is the site of most asbestos-related diseases. Consequently, most studies of tissue fiber burdens have concentrated on the analysis of lung parenchyma [1]. It is the purpose of this chapter to review the various techniques which have been developed for the analysis of tissue fiber burdens, noting the advantages and limitations of each. The morphologic, crystallographic, and chemical features of the various types of asbestos are reviewed in Chap. 1 and the structure and nature of asbestos bodies in Chap. 3. In addition, the relationship between tissue asbestos burden and the various asbestos-associated diseases (see Chaps. 4, 5, 6, and 7) and the various categories of occupational and environmental exposures (see Chap. 2) will also be explored in the present chapter. Finally, the overall contribution of the various types of asbestos and non-asbestos mineral fibers to the total mineral fiber burden will be discussed in relationship to the biological activity and pathogenicity of the various fiber types.