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.
Department of Histopathology, Llandough Hospital, Penarth South Glamorgan.
A R
AR
Gibbs
F D
FD
Pooley
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