Pulmonary Effects of Inhaled Mineral Dusts

Abstract

Workers are still dying from the respiratory diseases caused by exposures to mineral dusts such as asbestos, coal dust, and silica. This chapter provides background information regarding the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system, its defense mechanisms, assessment and response of the lungs to injury and specifics of the lung diseases caused by exposures to some of the mineral dusts. Keywords: obstructive lung diseases; silicosis; pneunoconiosis; silica; asbestos; coal dust; lung cancers