Pleuroparenchymal lung disease secondary to nonoccupational exposure to vermiculite.
An unusual case of pleuroparenchymal lung disease caused by the inhalation of vermiculite dust, presumably containing asbestos fibers is described. The uniqueness of the case lies in the very indirect nature of exposure -- the wife of a factory owner, rather than a worker exposed to asbestos, whose factory manufactured vermiculite. The present case illustrates the importance of taking careful occupational histories of all household members when presented with a patient whose chest radiograph exhibits features consistent with asbestos exposure.
Al-Ghimlas
Fahad
F
Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario.
Hoffstein
Victor
V
D000368:Aged; D000538:Aluminum Silicates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017636:Asbestos, Amphibole; D001195:Asbestosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019016:Mineral Fibers / Q000009:adverse effects; D011859:Radiography
D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D017636:Asbestos, Amphibole; D019016:Mineral Fibers; C003760:vermiculite