Electron microscopy applied to studies of the biological significance of defects in crocidolite asbestos

Abstract

Transmission electron microscopy is used in an investigation of crocidolite asbestos associated with two biological systems. Control material is extremely defective and contains in particular an abundance of Wadsley defects, (100) planar faults, and pores. Fibres sectioned in lung tissue and fibres taken from in vitro exposure to blood serum show evidence of erosion by two mechanisms--preferential attack at (100) planar defects and general surface dissolution.