Asbestos Bodies and Fibers in Lung Tissues

Abstract

It is suggested that the ratio of asbestos bodies observable by light microscopy to asbestos fibers counted by electron microscopy be examined in a series of cases of asbestosis of varying severity. If the ratio is reasonably constant an estimate of fiber content could be made from the more easily conducted count of asbestos bodies by light microscopy.

Mesothelioma in man and experimental animals.

“…The number of asbestos bodies above general population levels has been shown to be related to occupation even in those occultly exposed (19). However, uncoated fibers are 30 to 200 times as numerous as asbestos bodies (20). Phase microscopy will disclose fibers more than 0.36 ,um in diameter but finer, suboptical fibers must be sought by electron microscopy.…”