Data Show Excess Risk of Renal Disease Among Those Exposed to Silica at Standard Levels

Researcher Looking at Lung Cancer, Silicosis and Kidney Disease Risks
'Surprised' by Conclusions
A researcher assessing the likelihood that long-term exposure to silica dust at current regulatory standards will result in disease have concluded that one of the most surprising risks posed to silica-exposed workers may be the development of kidney disease.

According to an article published by Dr. Kyle Steenland in the June issue of the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, the excess risk of end-stage renal disease compared to background rates was 5.1 percent when a single cohort was studied. That compares to risk ranging from 47 percent …