Tuesday June 17, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) --  Studies suggest that silica can cause end-stage renal diseases.

Increased mortality from nephritis and or nephrosis has been found among workers producing manufactured mineral fibers, according to a multiplant cohort study.

Men exposed to silica were more likely to suffer end-stage renal disease, according to another study of Michigan patients with end-stage renal disease. 

A California occupational mortality study of construction trades, farmers, and farm laborers shows these workers, particularly insulation workers who had exposed themselves to glass fibers, were more likely to die from renal disease.

In a Singapore study, granite workers who had a long-term exposure to silica were found to have excess excretion of albumin and similar compounds which prompt scientists to speculate that silica can cause silica nephrotocixity.

Other studies show consumption of well water high in silica has been found linked to elevated risk of Balkan nephropathy and people with renal failure were found to have high blood concentrations of silica.

Silica, the artificial type, is commonly used in foods, dietary supplements and cosmetic products.  Organizations increasingly recognize the toxicity of nanoparticles like titanium dioxide.  But silica or silicone dioxide is still widely used.

World Health Organization has recognized silica via inhalation as a carcinogen.  But studies have found ingested silica which can be high in nanoparticles, can migrate to organs like the liver and kidneys and disrupt DNA in cells.  High concentrations of nanoparticles even killed small fish, according to one study conducted in India. (David Liu, PHD)

John R. Goldsmith MD, MPH, and David F. Goldsmith MSPH, PhD, Fiberglass or silica exposure and increased nephritis or ESRD (end-stage renal disease), American Journal of Industrial Medicine Volume 23, Issue 6, pages 873–881, June 1993.