ABSTRACT
References .........................................................................................................................................9
Particle research and particle toxicology have been historically closely connected to industrial
activities or materials, such as coal, asbestos, manmade mineral fibers, and more recently, ambient
particulate matter (Donaldson and Borm 2000) and Nanotechnology (Donaldson 2004; Kurath
2006). The Middle ages saw the first recordings of ill health associated with mining in the writings
ofAgricola (1494-1555) and Paracelsus (1493-1541), who noted lung diseases inminers inBohemia
and Austria, respectively (Seaton 1995). Initial studies in the modern era concerned workers
employed in the coal mining and coking industry, a widespread industry producing, transporting,
or burning large amounts of coal. During these processes large quantities of particles were generated,
and historically, exposures to coal and coal mine dust have been described as attaining 40 mg/m
,
whereas in current mining a standard of 2-3 mg/m
is well maintained (Figure 1.1).
