Pathogenesis and Mechanisms of Asbestosis and Silicosis

1. Asbestosis and silicosis are occupational diseases of the lung interstitium characterized by an initial phase of epithelial injury and hyperplasia, followed by an accumulation of cells of the immune system, and the development of fibrosis. Once established, these diseases can progress in the absence of further exposures to asbestos fibers or silica particles. These particulates exist in different physicochemical forms that may be modified by interactions with other minerals or elements such as iron in the lung.