Diamond
Classification:
In nature, diamond is a precious stone and the high-pressure variety of crystallized carbon. The low-pressure variety is graphite; compare to graphite. Graphite can be used for the industrial production of diamonds.
Synonyms/Trade Names:
None.
Chemistry/Composition:
C .
Structure:
Each C-atom is tetrahedrally bond with four C-atoms.
Crystallographic Constants:
3.567 3.567 3.567 90.000 90.000 90.000.
Crystal Group:
Cubic.
Color:
White, green, red, blue, gray, or black.
Optical Properties:
n=2.407.
Pleochroism:
None.
Powder Diagram:
2.06 1.26 1.07 0.81.
Natural Sources:
Mined in Angola, Brazil (Minais Gerais), India, India, the RSA, Russia, and the USA. Also found in some meteorites.
Medical Importance:
Key Hazards:
None.
Involved Organs:
None.
Exposure/Epidemiology:
Exposure to diamond dust occurs only during cutting and polishing procedures.
Thresholds:
In Germany, MAK 6 mg/m3.
Etiology/Pathophysiology:
Diamonds are inert to the lung tissue.
Lung Diseases:
Nonspecific symptoms of bronchial irritation have been described. Diamonds are not carcinogenic or fibrogenic, and the symptoms are probably induced by ingredients of the polishing material.
Clinical Presentation:
Associated specific symptoms are not known.
Radiology:
Associated specific findings are not known.
Lung Function:
Usually normal findings.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage:
Usually normal findings.
Pathology:
Gross:
The lungs are of normal color and consistency.
Histology:
The alveoli can contain an increased number of macrophages, and collections of brown dust particles may be seen in the lymphatic tissue.
Prognosis:
Usually good and without serious sequelae.
Additional Diseases:
None.
References:
search Pubmed for Diamond
Anand AL: Respiratory disorders in workers engaged in diamond cutting and polishing industry. Chest 91 (1987) 311
Dinsdale D, Verbeken EK, Demedts M, Nemery B: Cobalt particles, identified by energy-dispersive X-ray. Arch Toxicol Suppl 14 (1991) 92-95
Nemery B, Nagels J, Verbeken E, Dinsdale D, Demedts M: Rapidly fatal progression of cobalt lung in a diamond polisher. Am Rev Respir Dis 141 (1990) 1373-1378
Nemery B,Casier P, Roosels D, Lahaye D, Demedts M: Survey of cobalt exposure and respiratory health in diamond polishers. Am Rev Respir Dis 145 (1992) 610-616
Rao NM, Kashyap SK, Kulkarni PK, Saiyed HN, Purohit AK, Patel BD: Pumonary function studies in 15 to 18 years age workers exposed to dust in industry. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 36 (1992) 51-54
Van Cutsem EJ, Ceuppens JL, Lacquet LM, Demedts M: Combined asthma and alveolitis induced by cobalt in a diamond polisher. Eur J Respir Dis 70 (1987) 54-61
Zaid SH: Experimental pneumoconiosis. The John Hopkins Press, Baltimore (1969)