Das Projekt "Identifizierung und Quantifizierung von Asbest- und sonstigen Mineralfasern in menschlichem Lungengewebe mittels analytischer Rastertransmissionselektronenmikroskopie" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Gießen, Medizinisches Zentrum für Ökologie, Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeits- und Sozialmedizin durchgeführt. As analytical method of choice STEM has been established internationally. Up to now, instead of this, in the Federal Republic of Germany estimation of fibres, even in human lung tissues, mainly is performed by phase contrast light microscopy. It is the aim of this proposal for a research project to introduce STEM-analysis in our country, in order to participate in the international development, to support risk assessment and to bring forward the international comparison regarding exposure to asbestos and other mineral fibres and their possible carcinogenic effect. Fibre analysis in lung of patients with asbestos related diseases (mesothelioma, lung cancer with and without asbestosis, asbestosis of lung and pleural space) shall be compared to results of a control group without occupatinal asbestos dust exposure. During 1981 - 1983 the research project covers the formation of a working group, the introduction of STEM-analysis and measurements on 30 - 40 lungs.