The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC), the independent body which advises the Secretary of State for Social Security on the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) scheme, today announced the publication of its Position Paper 'Silica-related Renal and Connective Tissue Diseases'.
There is a body of research which is suggestive of a link between exposure to silica and renal disease, including autoimmune rheumatic conditions. The scientific evidence has been reviewed by IIAC to consider whether there is a basis on which these conditions should be added to the schedule of prescribed diseases for which Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit may be payable. The Council was made aware of an excess of renal disease in an area where fluorspar (localised to silica-rich seam) was mined.
The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council evaluated the available scientific literature relating to respirable silica exposure and renal disease, including autoimmune rheumatic diseases. It concluded that there was insufficient evidence to recommend prescription of renal disease or the autoimmune diseases in relation to occupational exposure to silica, based on the scientific evidence. This matter remains of significant research interest and IIAC will keep the subject under review.
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