Fuller's earth (montmorillonite) pneumoconiosis

Occup Environ Med. 1994 Sep;51(9):644-6. doi: 10.1136/oem.51.9.644.

Abstract

A fuller's earth worker developed signs of pneumoconiosis. Pathological examination of the lung tissues showed interstitial collections of dust laden macrophages associated with mild fibrosis. Mineralogical analysis showed a high content of montmorillonite. This study shows that a pneumoconiosis can result from prolonged heavy exposure to calcium montmorillonite (fuller's earth) in the absence of quartz. The disease is relatively mild and associated with little clinical disability.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bentonite / adverse effects*
  • Bentonite / analysis
  • Dust / adverse effects*
  • Dust / analysis
  • Humans
  • Lung / pathology
  • Male
  • Pneumoconiosis / etiology*
  • Pneumoconiosis / metabolism
  • Pneumoconiosis / pathology

Substances

  • Dust
  • Bentonite