Indium lung
Indium lung | |
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Specialty | Pulmonology |
Indium lung is a rare occupational lung disease caused by exposure to respirable indium in the form of indium tin oxide. It is classified as an interstitial lung disease (diffuse parenchymal lung disease).[1]
Signs and symptoms
The major signs of indium lung are
Complications
Lung cancer may be related to indium lung disease, though indium is not a known carcinogen.[1]
Causes
Indium lung is caused by exposure to
Mechanism
The exact mechanism of pathogenesis is unknown, but it is hypothesized that indium may exacerbate existing autoimmune disorders or that phagocytosis of indium by alveolar macrophages may cause dysfunction in the macrophages.[2]
Diagnosis
Laboratory findings
Multiple abnormal laboratory findings have been noted in indium lung. High levels of serum indium have been found in all cases of indium lung. Other abnormal laboratory values that have been found include elevated
Prevention
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan (JNIOSH) set limits for acceptable exposure at 0.0003 mg/m3 after the discovery of indium lung.[2][3] Methods for reducing indium exposure are thought to be the best mode of protection. Medical surveillance of indium workers is also a method of prevention.[2]
Treatment
There is no standardized treatment for indium lung disease. Treatment options include
Prognosis
Prognostic factors were a matter of research as of 2012, but preliminary evidence suggests that duration of employment and reported use of respiratory protection are not prognostic factors, but the serum level of indium may be a prognostic factor - higher levels of serum indium have been associated with worse prognoses. Indium lung disease has been fatal in several cases.[2]
History
It was first described by a group of Japanese researchers in 2003.[1][4]
Epidemiology
Cases have been reported in Japan, the United States, and China.[1][2][5] The indium industry is mainly based in Japan, where the bulk of cases have occurred; indium industry is also present in the US, China, Taiwan, and South Korea.[4] As of 2010, 10 cases had been described, though more than 100 indium workers had documented respiratory abnormalities.[1]
References
Further reading
- Badding, MA; Stefaniak, AB; Fix, NR; Cummings, KJ; Leonard, SS (2014). "Cytotoxicity and characterization of particles collected from an indium-tin oxide production facility". Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A. 77 (20): 1193–209. PMID 25208660.