Asbestos induces selective release of lysosomal enzymes from mononuclear phagocytes

THE association of asbestos inhalation and lung disease has been recognised for many years 1 . Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory reaction in the terminal bronchioles and alveoli of the lung with considerable fibrosis leading to distortion and eventual obliteration of the alveoli. There is also an association between asbestosis and the development of bronchogenic cancer 2 and Wagner et al. 3 have noted the occurrence of diffuse pleural and peritoneal mesotheliomas in individuals occupationally exposed to asbestos dust and in experimental animals following intrapleural injection of asbestos.