Several autoimmune diseases, with the notable exception of rheumatoid arthritis, were found to be predictive of a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Autoimmune diseases have been repeatedly linked with silica exposure. However, an acquired autoimmune disease may not be equivalent to one primarily linked to genetic factors.
Evidence from:
WW Eaton et al. Am J Psychiatry (2006) Vol. 163 p 521 – 528
“Association of Schizophrenia and Autoimmune Diseases: Linkage of Danish National Registers”
This could be problematic if a potent cause of autoimmune disease was detected. Silica exposure is associated with autoimmune disease.
Further detail: