The role of environmental exposures in the pathogenesis and progression of interstitial lung disease assessed by scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are heterogeneous inflammatory and fibrotic disorders whose etiology often remains unidentified. Environmental and occupational exposures may contribute to ILD onset and progression but are frequently underestimated, particularly when chronic, low-level, or multiple, because assessment relies mainly on self-reported histories. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) enables objective identification and semi-quantitative characterization of inorganic particles in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage.