Asbestos content in the lymph nodes of nonoccupationally exposed individuals.

BACKGROUND

The thoracic lymph nodes are a part of the clearance system from lung tissue. Accumulation of dust in these nodes are known to occur following some types of exposure. However, no information exists as to asbestos content in lymph nodes from the general population.

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of 21 individuals previously defined as nonoccupationally exposed to asbestos. Tissue burden of asbestos obtained from lung analysis by analytical electron microscopy was compared with burden in the lymph nodes.

RESULTS

No asbestos fibers were detected in nodes from 8 cases. The majority of the fibers found in lymph nodes were short (<5 microm) and most often noncommercial amphiboles. Ferruginous bodies (FBs) were detected in lymph node from only two samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The total asbestos burden in the lung tissue from these individuals was quite low. However, in 12 of the 13 cases that had positive nodes, the tissue burden in the node was appreciably heavier per gram than in the lung. This raises the question as to whether the lymph nodes, though less efficient clearance, may be better indicators of lifetime exposure to dust than lung tissue.