Scanning electron microscopy and x-ray microanalysis of mineral deposits in lungs of a patient with pleural mesothelioma.

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Abstract
Scanning electron microscopy of lung tissue, ashed at low temperature and obtained from an insulation worker who died of pleural mesothelioma, showed the presence of numerous inorganic particles and fibers. A regional variation in fiber concentration in different tissue samples was found and the size distribution of naked fibers and asbestos bodies was determined. By energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, fibers were identified mainly as amphibole asbestos. This method showed the presence of particles containing Ti and fragments of diatom shells. Despite a mean concentration of 33 .times. 106 fibers/g dry tissue, no significant lung fibrosis was found.