[Relationship between the ultrastructural characteristic of coal dust and its toxicity]

To study the relationship between the ultrastructural characteristic of coal dust and its toxicity, we compared two types of coal dusts which damaged alveolar macrophages(AMs) concerning with the coal dusts ultrastructural characteristic by using microscopy and biochemical techniques. The results showed that coal dusts damaged not only AMs plasma and lysosomal enzymes but also in ultrastructure. The coal dust in Nanpiao mine had a sharp form, fragile texture and a structure putting in order. It was concluded that: (1) the toxicity of coal dust in Nanpiao mine was higher than in Kailuan mine and which was related to the ultrastructural feature of the coal dusts; (2) the AMs injury degree by coal dusts was more and more serious with the duration of exposure to coal dusts.