Effects of long term inhalation of alumina fibres in rats.

Groups of rats were exposed by inhalation to atmospheres containing a refractory alumina fibre (Saffil Fibres, I.C.I.) either as manufactured or in a thermally aged form. Similar groups were exposed to UICC chrysotile A asbestos or clean air to serve as positive and negative controls respectively. Exposures continued for 86 weeks after which the animals were maintained to 85% mortality. Pulmonary reaction to both forms of alumina fibre was minimal; chrysotile asbestos provoked the expected progressive fibrosis. Pulmonary tumours (both benign and malignant) were confined to rats dosed with asbestos. The results support the predicted inert nature of these alumina fibres.