Amorphous silica: a review of health effects from inhalation exposure with particular reference to cancer

Abstract

Silicas and silicates are some of the most abundant compounds found naturally in the earth's crust. Excessive exposure to crystalline silicas can cause serious lung disease such as silicosis and has been associated with lung cancer in some studies, but the potential health effects of amorphous silicas (silicon dioxide without crystalline structure) have not been well studied. Results from animal studies of amorphous silicas, unlike those seen with crystalline silicas, have suggested limited and largely reversible cytotoxic and possibly fibrogenic effects associated with some forms, but data on cancer outcomes are scanty and for the most part negative. Epidemiologic investigations to date for any potential cancer risk are not informative because the effects of crystalline and amorphous silicas have not been separated. Any future epidemiologic study should attempt to clarify the health effects of amorphous silicas from those of crystalline silicas, particularly with regard to any potential for carcinogenicity.