The Response of Peritoneal Tissue to Industrial Dusts

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Abstract
Samples of 69 industrial and pure mineral dusts in suspension in saline were injected into the peritoneal cavities of guinea pigs. On the basis of the reaction of the peritoneal tissue the dusts could be classified as absorptive (e.g., calcite), pro-liferative (e.g., quartz), or inert (e.g., asbestos). The results of these tests indicate a correlation with characteristic types of pneumoconioses. Dusts of the absorptive group are known to be relatively harmless when inhaled. Dusts of the proliferative group, which are various forms of silica, are known to produce a nodular pulmonary fibrosis, i.e., silicosis, and should be considered harmful. Dusts of the inert group, i.e., those showing a tendency to remain in the tissues, should be considered potentially harmful, but not as dangerous as those of the proliferative group. Certain dusts of the inert group, studied clinically, are known to produce a diffuse pulmonary fibrosis, i.e., asbestosis, etc. The response of the peritoneal tissue toward dust may be used to determine the pneumoconiosis-producing potentialities of industrial dusts.

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