Observations on the origin and effects of the industrial dusts of East Antrim.

GEOLOGICAL SCIENCE is responsible for the location of mineral resources, from which are derived end-products that determine the material standards of comfort and wealth in a civilised society. Every facet of technological achievement is totally dependent on raw materials wrested from the Earth's crust. Unfortunately few who partake of the benefits are aware of the origin from which' they emanate. This is a regrettable deficiency, particularly in Antrim, which has the richest geological heritage of any county in the British Isles. The industries on the Antrim coastal strip are compact, modest in scope and output, nevertheless it has been possible to note the effects by inhalation of a variety of dusts on the human organism. The results observed do not invariably correspond with those already puiblished in the literature. rt is obviously as desirable to recognise substances that are innocuous, as it is necessary to be aware of the few that represent a serious respiratory hazard if inhaled. Some knowledge of the composition and evolution of the parent rock is necessary for a complete understanding of pathogenic dusts when these present, therefore a brief geological note precedes discussion on the ore or mineral concerned. LIMESTONE