Silica exposure is well known for its effect on lung fibrosis. An unexpected link to autoimmune disease could be a result of fibrosis or of silica exposure. Either way, the impact on liability exposure would be significant. In this research there is good evidence for an association between silica exposure and renal disease and rheumatoid arthritis. It would be worth keeping a close eye on the effects of other fibrosis conditions.
Evidence from:
K Steenland et al. Epidemiology. July (2001) Vol. 12 #4 p 405.
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