In Brief:
Lung diseases caused by the inhalation of mineral particles, fibers, and fumes present changing problems for modern industry. This two-part article reviews the prevalence in developed countries of pneumoconioses caused by silica, asbestos, beryllium, and cobalt as examples of minerals that cause lung disease. The lung cancer risks provided by these minerals are discussed. The current uses of these materials and the occupations that expose workers to them are presented in detail.