Silica-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease

Silica, a chemical compound found in abundance in nature, is comprised of quartz, a constituent of rock, and makes up 90-95% of sand. Prior research suggests that silica exposure is associated not only with silicosis, lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, small vessel vascultitis and other autoimmune diseases, but also with kidney damage[1].

Still, some think that the connection between silica dust and Chronic Kidney Disease hasn't been proven enough. New research has now proven without any doubt that there is a direct relation between silica dust and Chronic Kidney Disease[2].

Approximately 3 million workers in USA and Europe are exposed to crystalline silica. Evidence suggests that there are a myriad of occupational and environmental exposures that may contribute to the development of and progression of Chronic Kidney Disease. Recent reports have highlighted silicon-containing compounds as being particularly damaging to the renal system, particularly for individuals who experience intense and prolonged exposure, such as miners, sandblasters, glass-makers, brick and grain workers.

America's 'dust bowl', also known as the 'Dirty Thirties', was the period of severe dust storms that eroded the soils as a result of severe drought during the 1930s. It is returning with a vengeance. Climate change will bring higher temperatures and less precipitation. It shall turn the Midwest into dust again and dust storm will create havoc to lungs and kidneys of millions of Americans.

I would like to propose the term Silica-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease for this specific Chronic Kidney Disease.

[1] Hogan et al: Silica exposure in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated glomerulonephritis and lupus nephritis in Journal of the American Society of Nephrology = 2001
[2] Vupputuri et al: Silica exposure and chronic Kidney disease in Renal Failure - 2012