[Electron microscopic study of the tissue reaction of lungs exposed to quartz dust of varying dispersity].

The tissue reaction of the lungs exposed to quartz dust of varying dispersity was studied by light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. It is suggested that specific clinical manifestations of dust pathology are related to dispersity of silica. The largest quartz-containing dust particles give rise chiefly to the development of dust bronchitis. The most cytotoxic "medium" fractions lead to appearance of nodular forms of silicosis, whereas highly dispersed dust particles of quartz give rise to the development of diffusive sclerotic changes in the lungs.