Fuller's earth (montmorillonite) pneumoconiosis.

Abstract

A fuller's earth worker developed signs of pneumoconiosis. Pathological examination of the lung tissues showed interstitial collections of dust laden macrophages associated with mild fibrosis. Mineralogical analysis showed a high content of montmorillonite. This study shows that a pneumoconiosis can result from prolonged heavy exposure to calcium montmorillonite (fuller's earth) in the absence of quartz. The disease is relatively mild and associated with little clinical disability.

• Authors: A R Gibbs, F D Pooley
• Journal: Occupational and environmental medicine (Occup Environ Med) Vol. 51 Issue 9 Pg. 644-6 (Sep 1994) ISSN: 1351-0711 [Print] England
• PMID: 7951799 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Dust
• Bentonite

Topics

• Aged
• Bentonite (adverse effects, analysis)
• Dust (adverse effects, analysis)
• Humans
• Lung (pathology)
• Male
• Pneumoconiosis (etiology, metabolism, pathology)