Particulates and the Airways: Basic Biological Mechanisms of Pulmonary Pathogenicity

Abstract

With strong evidence that materials such as silica and asbestos are associated with irreversible lung disease, efforts have been made to identify abrasive substitute materials for silica and produce various synthetic vitreous fibers as substitutes for asbestos. With the introduction of new materials, questions concerning potential health effects are raised. A clear understanding of the mechanisms by which certain inhaled particles induce lung damage and subsequent disease is vital to the ability to predict the relative safety of new materials, as well as, to provide appropriate measures for the safe use of old materials currently grouped together as particulates not otherwise classified/regulated. The following is a brief review of mechanisms currently thought to be important in the development and progression of particle-induced lung disease.