ANALYSIS OF ASBESTOS BODIES IN BAL FROM SUBJECTS WITH PARTICULAR EXPOSURES

Four patients with asbestos-related diseases and with unusual exposure s underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for mineralogical analysis. A sbestos bodies (AB) were counted by light microscopy and analyzed by t ransmission electron microscopy and X-ray energy spectrometry. AB's we re found in all cases, after a mean delay from the end of exposure of 27.7 years. Analysis of the core fibers indicated the type of alveolar asbestos burden and was compared with the previous exposures. Pleural plaques due to household exposure to amosite and crocidolite. Pleural plaques due to occult occupational exposure to crocidolite in a coal miner. Asbestosis due to environmental exposure to tremolite in Turkey . Asbestosis, pleural plaques, and peritoneal mesothelioma due to a sh ort, intense exposure to crocidolite. AB counting in BAL and identific ation of the central fibers by analytical electron microscopy is a use ful, non-invasive and reliable method to evaluate the alveolar retenti on of bio-persistent fibers and to relate them to specific exposures. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.