[Silica exposure and the risk of systemic sclerosis]

The aetiology of systemic sclerosis (Ssc) is unknown, but there is evidence of environmental factors playing a part in disease development in a number of cases. By examining a group of male patients with Ssc we found significant exposure to silica in 26% (6/23) of the patients compared to 2,1% in the general working population in Denmark. In the article we review the association between silica and Ssc and suggest how to question and refer patients with SSc who are suspected to have been exposed to silica.