I'm seeing various articles on the web claiming that silica sand may be harmful to humans / cats, especially when inhaling the dust it creates.

Quartz silica (sand), the other ingredient in most clumping litters, is a known carcinogen for both humans and household pets when inhaled.

Source: https://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-dangers-of-clumping-cat-litter.html

This question was posted in 2010, so 9 years old already, maybe there's more literature on the subject by now?

I sometimes worry about breathing in the dust from cat litter. Have there been any studies or are there any health concerns on the danger of breathing in litter dust, either for me or my cats?

– APRIL 15, 2010

https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/balanced-living/pets-pet-care/is-kitty-litter-dangerous/

This one says research has shown without pointing to the actual research ...

sadly, silica litter puts our feline counterparts at risk whenever nature calls. silica dust can be kicked up and inhaled by both cats and humans. what’s worse, silica crystals often stick to cats’ paws, and the dust frequently settles on their fur, leading to ingestion whenever a cat grooms itself. and while many clay litter users still aren’t fully aware of the dangers associated with crystalline silica, the research is decidedly more certain.

https://www.swheatscoop.com/the-dirt-on-dust-the-dangers-of-crystalline-silica-and-silica-dust/

The cat litter i bought for our new kitten contains silica sand, it's very convenient as it controls odours and lasts for almost a month before having to replace it.

Is there any truth to silica-sand-based-litter-dust being hazardous to human / cat health? (I'm assuming clumping clay is just another word for silica sand or is that actually a different type of cat litter?)