Fuller's earth (montmorillonite) pneumoconiosis.
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.
Gibbs
A R
AR
Department of Histopathology, Llandough Hospital, Penarth South Glamorgan.
Pooley
F D
FD
D000368:Aged; D001546:Bentonite / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D004391:Dust / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D011009:Pneumoconiosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D004391:Dust; D001546:Bentonite