Open AccessDetermination of inorganic fiber density in human lung tissue by scanning electron microscopy after low temperature ashing.
Author(s) -
B Gylseth,
E. M. Ophus,
G Mowé
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of work, environment and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.621
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1795-990X
pISSN - 0355-3140
DOI - 10.5271/sjweh.2657
Subject(s) - ashing , microanalysis , asbestos , scanning electron microscope , human lung , materials science , electron probe microanalysis , fiber , microscopy , electron microscope , analytical chemistry (journal) , chemistry , pathology , composite material , environmental chemistry , lung , optics , medicine , physics , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics
The concentration of asbestos fibers in lung tissue may give information about previous occupational asbestos exposure. A procedure for the preparation, quantification and identification of asbestos fibers in human tissue is presented in this report. The procedure is based on low-temperature plasma ashing of dry tissue, examination of the ash by scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. The advantages and disadvantages of this method are also discussed briefly.