Kidney Disease

Silica particles are toxic to the body. The function of the kidney is to eliminate toxins. If a large quantity of silica is ingested or inhaled into the body, the kidneys may become overwhelmed. The presence of the toxin may result in kidney disease and possible end-stage renal failure or death, caused by failure of the kidneys to function. Kidney disease may develop through direct toxicity or silica particles in the kidney; or through indirect toxicity, where the lungs, exposed to silica particles, attempt to attack the foreign objects and overactivate the immune system.

To learn more about Silica Safety visit our General & Maritime Silica Safety Online Training web page.