The increasing use of artificial or engineered stone in kitchen worktops has led to a significant rise in silicosis cases, making it a serious public health concern. Silicosis is a form of pulmonary fibrosis, an irreversible lung disease caused by inhaling tiny particles of crystalline silica, a substance prevalent in many types of rocks. While workers in industries like mining, stonecutting and construction have long been at risk, the recent surge in the use of artificial stone, especially in kitchen worktops, has brought about new and severe cases of this debilitating condition.
Artificial Stone and Silica Content
Artificial stone, also known as engineered stone, quartz or reconstituted stone is made from crushed natural stones. It is popular for kitchen worktops due to its durability, aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance. However, artificial stone contains over 90% crystalline silica, significantly higher than natural stones like granite (around 30%) or marble (around 3%). When cut, polished or ground, artificial stone releases fine crystalline silica particles that are easily inhaled, leading to a rapidly progressing and often severe form of silicosis.
Since 2010, there has been a noticeable increase in silicosis cases among workers handling artificial stone in countries such as Israel, Spain, Italy, the United States and Australia. In the UK, despite artificial stone being in use for about two decades, silicosis cases linked to this material only began to emerge in mid-2023.
Study Findings
A study conducted by Imperial College London’s National Heart and Lung Institute, published in Thorax in August 2024, highlighted eight cases of silicosis in men working with artificial stone in the UK. These men, mostly migrants, were significantly younger than typical silicosis patients, with an average age of 34. Despite having relatively short exposure times (4-8 years in some cases), these workers developed severe forms of silicosis. The study found that many of these workers were initially misdiagnosed with other lung diseases, and some required drastic interventions such as lung transplants, though their conditions often continued to deteriorate.
For more detailed information on this study, you can refer to the study published in Thorax:
Contributing Factors
The rise in silicosis cases is largely attributed to poor workplace practices. These include dry cutting without adequate dust suppression (using water), insufficient ventilation and inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Small companies, in particular, may lack the resources or knowledge to implement proper safety measures. Alarmingly, in some instances, workers continued to be exposed to dangerous levels of silica even after being diagnosed with silicosis.
Preventive Measures
To combat this growing occupational health crisis, some countries, such as Australia, have implemented strict regulations, including an outright ban on engineered stone to prevent it becoming the “asbestos of the 2020s”. There are also increasing calls for better health surveillance and mandatory reporting of silicosis cases. More detail on this can be found on the Safe Work Australia website. The spotlight is now on other countries, such as the USA, which has 10 times as many stonemasons as in Australia, and generally less stringent workplace protections.
In the UK, there is an urgent need for improved safety practices, effective dust control and comprehensive health monitoring. Stricter regulations and possibly even a ban on the use of artificial stone should be considered to protect workers from this preventable disease. Without these critical changes, the number of silicosis cases is likely to continue rising.