A study by electron microscopy of the effects of chrysotile and man-made mineral fibres on rat lungs.

The effects of inhalation of rock wool, coated and uncoated glass wool, glass fibre and UICC chrysotile B on the ultrastructure of the rat lung have been investigated. All fibres produced focal fibrosis, type II cell proliferation, an accumulation of cellular debris and lipid material and hyperplasia of both alveolar cells and cells lining the terminal airways. The fibrosis was more marked following inhalation of chrysotile than after exposure to man-made mineral fibre.