Noninvasive molecular identification of particulate matter in lungs by Raman microspectrometry

A new method for the analysis of particulate matter in lungs is proposed. It combines the exhaled breath condensate technique and Raman spectroscopy. The sampling method is noninvasive, which is suitable for the detection of occupational exposure to dust. The chemical composition of dust particles is assessed by Raman microspectroscopy. The effectiveness of this method as a means of identifying markers of occupational exposure to mica dust is evaluated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.