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Silica Research

41 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 8/10

Relationship between cumulative silica exposure and silicosis: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Howlett P et al. • Thorax (2024)

Despite significant heterogeneity, our findings support a reduction in permissible exposure limits from 0.1 mg/m3 to 0.05 mg/m³, particularly among mining populations.

Despite significant heterogeneity, our findings support a reduction in permissible exposure limits from 0.1 mg/m3 to 0.05 mg/m³, particularly among mining populations.
Further research is needed among non-miners as only two studies were eligible.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Meta-Analysisn=977

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The effect of silica exposure on the risk of lung cancer: A meta-analysis

Zhou Y et al. • Journal of biochemical and molecular toxicology (2023)

Further analysis showed that among the selected studies, six studies showed a significant correlation between combined exposure to silica and smoking with an increased risk of lung cancer. The data from the present study showed that smoking habits increased the impact of silica exposure on the initiation of lung carcinogenesis in exposed workers.

For each study, the overall odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p values were calculated. An extensive database search resulted in the selection of 20 (case-control and nested case-control studies were selected) out of 527 studies.
To evaluate the relationship between exposure to silica and developing lung cancer, we performed a meta-analysis using the random-effects model.
Among the 20 selected studies, 7 studies showed a significant association between silica exposure and an increased risk of lung cancer.

Meta-Analysisn=527

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Bonding Durability Between Zirconia and Different Types of Tooth or Implant Abutments-A Systematic Review. Part II: Outcomes of Clinical Studies

Alammar A et al. • The International journal of prosthodontics (2022)

Airborne-particle abrasion (APA) and tribochemical silica (TBS) APA surface pretreatment methods yielded positive clinical outcomes on zirconia/resin bonding to all types of tooth surfaces identified.

Airborne-particle abrasion (APA) and tribochemical silica (TBS) APA surface pretreatment methods yielded positive clinical outcomes on zirconia/resin bonding to all types of tooth surfaces identified.
Type of resin cement seems to be a less influential factor.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Systematic Reviewn=2,856

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Inhalational exposures associated with risk of interstitial lung disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Lee CT et al. • Thorax (2025)

This systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis is the first to comprehensively assess the effect of inhalational exposures on overall risk of ILD, with multiple putative exposures identified.

This systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis is the first to comprehensively assess the effect of inhalational exposures on overall risk of ILD, with multiple putative exposures identified.
Future work should investigate novel occupational exposures associated with ILD, characterise the gene-environment interaction and develop preventative strategies.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Meta-Analysisn=116

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Brick kiln pollution and its impact on health: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Nicolaou L et al. • Environmental research (2024)

Mean respirable silica exposures were only measured in 4 (4%) studies and were as high as 620 μg/m3, exceeding the NIOSH recommended exposure limit by a factor of over 12.

Mean respirable silica exposures were only measured in 4 (4%) studies and were as high as 620 μg/m3, exceeding the NIOSH recommended exposure limit by a factor of over 12.
On average, brick kiln workers had worse health outcomes when compared to unexposed controls but study quality supporting the evidence was low.
Few studies reported silica concentrations or personal exposures, but the few that did suggest that exposures are high.

Meta-Analysisn=104

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Candidate gene polymorphisms associated with silicosis and coal workers' pneumoconiosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Zhang Y et al. • BMC pulmonary medicine (2024)

This study established associations between specific genetic polymorphisms (TNFα-308, TNFα-238, and IL-1RA + 2018) and susceptibility to silicosis and coal worker's pneumoconiosis.

This study established associations between specific genetic polymorphisms (TNFα-308, TNFα-238, and IL-1RA + 2018) and susceptibility to silicosis and coal worker's pneumoconiosis.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Meta-Analysisn=378

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Incidence and influencing factors of occupational pneumoconiosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Su X et al. • BMJ open (2023)

The incidence of pneumoconiosis in occupational workers was 0.093 and seven factors were found to be associated with the incidence, providing some insight into the prevention of pneumoconiosis.

The pooled incidence of pneumoconiosis was 0.093 (95% CI 0.085 to 0.135).
The incidence of pneumoconiosis in occupational workers was 0.093 and seven factors were found to be associated with the incidence, providing some insight into the prevention of pneumoconiosis.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Meta-Analysisn=424

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Aquatic ecotoxicity of manufactured silica nanoparticles: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Book F et al. • The Science of the total environment (2022)

The resulting concentration that is hazardous for a maximum of 5% of exposed species (HC05) is 130 μg/L, from which a PNEC of 30 μg/L is estimated by applying an assessment factor of 5.

The resulting concentration that is hazardous for a maximum of 5% of exposed species (HC05) is 130 μg/L, from which a PNEC of 30 μg/L is estimated by applying an assessment factor of 5.
The ecotoxicity of silica nanoparticles is linked to the number of hydroxyl groups on their surface, corresponding to findings from human toxicological studies.
It is recommended that future ecotoxicological studies use explicit concentration-response designs, use proven biocide-free testing material, comparatively apply mass and surface area as exposure metrics, and provide important metainformation in the study report.

Meta-Analysisn=219

DOI

Silicosis and tuberculosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Jamshidi P et al. • Pulmonology (2025)

Silicosis and silica dust exposure increase the risk of tuberculosis.

The total population of all studies was 5884, and 90.63% were male.
Our meta-analysis revealed a pooled risk ratio of 1.35 (95%CI 1.18-1.53, I 2: 94.30%) which means an increased risk of silicosis patients and silica-exposed individuals to tuberculosis infection.
Silicosis and silica dust exposure increase the risk of tuberculosis.

Meta-Analysis

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Is zirconia surface etching a viable alternative to airborne particle abrasion? A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies

D'Alessandro C et al. • Journal of dentistry (2024)

APA remains the surface treatment with the strongest evidence in the literature and it is usually more efficacious than zirconia etching.

APA remains the surface treatment with the strongest evidence in the literature and it is usually more efficacious than zirconia etching.
However, highly concentrated HF and an experimental hot etching solution have demonstrated similar or significantly higher bond strength values over time compared to APA, depending on the adhesive substrate.
A recently introduced multi-acid solution (Zircos-E) needs to be further explored, especially in regards to long-term bond durability.

Meta-Analysisn=46

DOI

Molecular and serological diagnosis of toxoplasmosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Souza IMFNB et al. • Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de Sao Paulo (2023)

Therefore, the choice of the method will be based on the conditions and its financial viability.

The flow cytometry, lateral flow immunoassay and qPCR techniques showed 100% sensitivity, whereas the ELISA, western blotting, qPCR and RE-LAMP techniques achieved 100% specificity.
Significantly, the qPCR and LAMP techniques were more accurate when the likelihood ratio was assessed.
The meta-analysis identified that ISAGA and western blotting have low sensitivity values and LIASON, ELFA and ELISA, using a silica bioconjugate, also have low specificity values.

Meta-Analysis

DOI

Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica and lung cancer: a systematic review of cut-off points

Rey-Brandariz J et al. • Environmental health : a global access science source (2023)

There is a wide degree of heterogeneity in RCS exposure categories, with most studies observing no significant risk of lung cancer for the lowest exposure categories.

There is a wide degree of heterogeneity in RCS exposure categories, with most studies observing no significant risk of lung cancer for the lowest exposure categories.
Cut-off points differ between agencies but are nonetheless very similar and do not exceed 0.1mg/m3.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Systematic Review

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A systematic review of the effectiveness of dust control measures adopted to reduce workplace exposure

Anlimah F et al. • Environmental science and pollution research international (2023)

This systematic-review examined the effects of Silica.

Although evidence indicates that interventions significantly decrease dust concentration levels, the control measures in place may not effectively prevent workplace overexposure to RCS.
These interventions can increase the frequency of use of RPE and the adoption of best practice dust control measures.
Interventions increase knowledge, awareness, and attitudes about RPE usage and generate positive perceptions while reducing misconceptions.

Systematic Review

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Occupational exposure to silica and risk of gastrointestinal cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

Shao J et al. • International archives of occupational and environmental health (2024)

We discovered a link between occupational silica exposure and gastrointestinal malignancies, with cancers of the liver, stomach, and esophagus being the most prevalent.

Occupational silica exposure was found to increase the risk of liver cancer, with pooled SIR and SMR of 1.19 (95% CI 1.04-1.35, p = 0.009), 1.24 (95% CI 1.03-1.49, p = 0.026), respectively.
We discovered a link between occupational silica exposure and gastrointestinal malignancies, with cancers of the liver, stomach, and esophagus being the most prevalent.
Colorectal and pancreatic cancer were not linked to occupational silica exposure.

Meta-Analysis

DOI

The Impact of Occupational Exposures on the Risk of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Gandhi SA et al. • Annals of the American Thoracic Society (2024)

This meta-analysis suggests that a considerable number of cases of IPF are attributable to inhaled occupational exposures and warrant increased consideration in the clinical care of patients and future prevention efforts.

The proportion of cases with occupational exposures to VGDF was 44% (95% confidence interval [CI], 36-53%), with a range of 8-17% within more specific exposure categories.
The pooled OR was increased for VGDF at 1.8 (95% CI, 1.3-2.4), with a pooled PAF of 21% (95% CI, 15-28%).
ORs and PAFs, respectively, were found to be 1.6 and 7% for metal dust, 1.6 and 3% for wood dust, 1.8 and 14% for agricultural dust, and 1.8 and 4% for silica dust.

Meta-Analysis

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End-of-Shift Monitoring of Respirable Crystalline Silica: A Critical Review of Measurement Techniques and Factors Influencing Accurate Measurements

Noi DDT et al. • Critical reviews in analytical chemistry (2024)

There is the potential and possibility of using portable RCS instrument for in-field measurement however the challenge is the calibration of such instrumentation in the field to account for changing host materials and thus potential interferences.

It has been shown that correction factors are needed to be applied to account for known interferences, especially when calibrating portable RCS instrumentation in-field.
The potential to obtain reliable and repeatable results from RCS analysis instrumentation has also been demonstrated.
There was significant evidence that interference materials could be present in host materials, and they influence RCS measurement.

Systematic Review

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Does the Choice of Preparation Protocol for Platelet-Rich Fibrin Have Consequences for Healing and Alveolar Ridge Preservation After Tooth Extraction? A Meta-Analysis

Al-Badran A et al. • Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (2023)

This study confirms that PRF is associated with reduced postoperative complications but indicates that preparation protocol influences clinical outcomes.

This study confirms that PRF is associated with reduced postoperative complications but indicates that preparation protocol influences clinical outcomes.
S-PRF and CGF protocols appear to be superior for several outcome parameters.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Meta-Analysis

DOI

Association between the Composition of Drinking Water and Cognitive Function in the Elderly: A Systematic Review

Wasick A et al. • International journal of environmental research and public health (2024)

Future research should measure multiple trace mineral levels in all water sources to evaluate the impact on cognitive function.

The prevalence of dementia increases with nearly 10 million new cases each year, with Alzheimer's disease contributing to 60-70% of cases.
Aluminum exposure showed an increased risk of cognitive decline in four studies, with no association reported in the other studies.
Higher silica and pH levels were shown to be protective against a decline in cognitive function.

Systematic Reviewn=10

DOI

Environmental factors influencing the risk of ANCA-associated vasculitis

Zhao WM et al. • Frontiers in immunology (2022)

In this review, we summarized the recent literature on the study of environmental factors, such as seasons, air pollution, latitude, silica, and microbial infection, in AAV with the aim of exploring the relationship between environmental factors and AAV and possible mechanisms of action to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of AAV.

Multiple case reports have shown that sustained exposure to silica in an occupational environment resulted in a significantly increased risk of ANCA positivity.
Studies have shown that various environmental factors stimulate the body to activate neutrophils and expose their own antigens, resulting in the release of proteases and neutrophil extracellular traps, which damage vascular endothelial cells.
Additionally, the activation of complement replacement pathways may exacerbate vascular inflammation.

Meta-Analysis

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Neurotoxicity of four frequently used nanoparticles: a systematic review to reveal the missing data

Gong JY et al. • Archives of toxicology (2022)

The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

A relatively good correlation was observed between in vitro and in vivo effects, including genotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis and pro-inflammatory effects.
However, crucial knowledge gap exists in current understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Systematic Review

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