Silica dust was suspected to affect the human kidney over 90 years ago.

The detected pathologic renal changes are similar to those induced by nephrotoxic heavy metals in the form of dose-related nephropathy that causes degenerative changes in tubular epithelium and interstitial inflammation, fibrous nephrosis, glomerulonephritis, and systemic vasculitis.

Additionally, it was demonstrated that silica exposed workers can experience distinct renal histologic alterations in glomerular and proximal tubules.

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Prolonged and intensive occupational exposure to silica could result in subclinical nephrotoxicity. It can thus be associated with an increased risk of future end-stage renal disease.

Usage of urinary biomarkers to detect signs of preclinical glomerular and tubular affection seems to be a simple and non-invasive screening tool to identify silica-exposed workers who carry a higher risk of future nephropathy.