A team of UK doctors has reported the first eight cases of artificial stone silicosis in the country, raising alarms about the health risks associated with a popular kitchen worktop material. The findings, published in the journal Thorax, have prompted calls for stricter regulations and even a potential ban on artificial stone to prevent the spread of this incurable lung disease.
The Hidden Danger in Kitchen Worktops
Artificial stone, also known as engineered or reconstituted stone, has become increasingly popular for kitchen worktops over the past two decades. Made from crushed rocks bound with resins and pigments, it offers aesthetic appeal, durability, and ease of use. However, this material contains over 90% silica, significantly higher than natural alternatives like marble (3%) or granite (30%).
The high silica content, combined with the fine dust generated during cutting and polishing, creates a perfect storm for silicosis development. This lung disease, caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust, can lead to severe and rapidly progressive health issues.
Dr. Christopher Barber of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, in a linked editorial, draws a historical parallel: “By design, [artificial stone] worktops (like grindstones) have a very high silica content to make them more hard wearing and durable. Dry processing of [it] with powered tools without the use of water suppression, local exhaust ventilation, and respiratory protective equipment exposes workers to very high levels of airborne silica dust, in many cases two orders of magnitude greater than legal exposure limits.”
UK Cases Highlight Urgent Need for Action
The eight cases reported in the UK involved men with an average age of 34, ranging from 27 to 56 years old. Their average cumulative exposure to stone dust was 12.5 years, with some exposed for as little as 4 years. All worked for small companies with fewer than 10 employees, primarily in the “finishing” process of cutting and polishing worktops before installation.
Alarmingly, the men reported working without consistent water suppression or appropriate respiratory protection. Even when workshop ventilation was present, it was not regularly serviced or cleaned. None were aware of active airborne dust monitoring in their workplaces.
The authors of the study emphasize the critical need for prevention: “Even with cessation of exposure, disease progression has been noted in over 50% of cases over [an average] of 4 years. Prevention of disease is therefore critical.”
They call for urgent action, including:
1. National guidelines for artificial stone handling
2. Efforts to identify the at-risk population and detect cases early
3. A legal requirement to report cases of artificial stone silicosis
4. Implementation of health and safety regulations focusing on small companies
5. Consideration of a UK ban on artificial stone, similar to Australia’s 2024 ban
Why it matters: The emergence of artificial stone silicosis in the UK highlights a significant public health concern. This disease not only affects individual workers but also has broader implications for the construction and home improvement industries. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach involving regulatory bodies, employers, and healthcare professionals to protect workers and prevent the spread of this incurable condition.
As the UK reviews exposure limits for crystalline silica dust, this research provides crucial evidence to inform policy decisions. The potential for reducing silicosis risk by lowering exposure limits could have far-reaching effects on worker safety and public health.
