Characterizing the properties of respirable silica particles and silicosis risk

Respirable Silica Particles and Silicosis Risk Analysis

Silicosis is the formation of fibrous tissue in the lung in response to damage caused by inhaling particles of silica. Our Health Sciences Advisory team set out to identify and analyze the role different properties of respirable crystalline silica play in the development of silicosis.

We conducted a systematic review of available literature to identify and integrate relevant scientific information on the properties of silica particles that can affect lung toxicity. Additionally, we conducted a data gap analysis to assess the degree of evidence for toxicological impacts of each property. We identified multiple properties, including concentration, size, shape, surface properties (e.g., piezoelectric surfaces), crystalline versus amorphous form, and surface area, that may affect the harm caused by respirable silica particles to lung tissue.

Overall, our findings revealed that many of these properties may contribute to the onset of silicosis and that the reduction of the overall exposure, or the cumulative dose, remains the most feasible method to reduce the risk of adverse effects.