Scleroderma and Silica

In recent years there have been many reports of connective tissue diseases, especially scleroderma, following exposure to silica and silicone. The number of cases alleging personal injury from silica exposure is steadily increasing. In several states now experts have testified that exposure to crystalline silica causes scleroderma.

Included in this site are sections describing what is scleroderma, a list of silica related products whose exposure may cause scleroderma, information on scleroderma diagnosis and treatment, as well as information on how to obtain compensation for silica caused scleroderma.

About Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a chronic, often progressive autoimmune disease, in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. The disease, which literally means hard skin, can cause thickening and tightening of skin, and, in some cases, serious damage to internal organs, including lungs, heart, kidneys, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract.

The cause of scleroderma is not yet known, but symptoms are mainly caused by too much collagen in the body. Collagen is the protein found in bone, cartilage and tendons, often referred to as the body's connective tissue . This is an immune system response. Something causes the immune system to see the body's own tissues as foreign invaders, and it responds just as it would to a toxic substance. Antibodies are released to attack and destroy, and the damaged tissue becomes inflamed, swollen, and eventually hardened and scarred.

A high incidence of scleroderma in people exposed to crystalline silica dust indicates a link between scleroderma and certain occupational toxins.

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