Systemic Toxicological Effects of Silicates and Their Molecular Mechanisms, Organ Injury, and Public Health Implications: A Review

Silicates comprise a chemically diverse class of inorganic compounds widely used in industrial manufacturing, construction, consumer products, food processing, and biomedical applications. Inhalation of crystalline silica is well established as a cause of silicosis and lung cancer and crystalline silica has been classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen. However, emerging evidence suggests that other forms including soluble silicates and engineered silica nanoparticles may exert systemic toxicological effects beyond the respiratory tract.