News and Knowledge

‘New Asbestos’: Warning issued after workers die from silicosis in West Yorkshire

A warning has been issued regarding the dangers of working with silica dust, after two men from West Yorkshire died after being diagnosed with silicosis.   Their widows have now spoken out, describing silica dust as the “new asbestos”. Silicosis is caused by inhaling toxic silica dust, which is commonly found in engineered stone, such…

Stonemason who has weeks to live warns of dangers of silicosis

A stonemason who has just weeks to live after being diagnosed with deadly lung disease Silicosis has spoken out to warn others of the dangers of working in the industry.   Marek Marzec, 48 is currently in hospital receiving palliative care after being diagnosed with silicosis in April this year. He contracted the disease after…

Did you work at Tata Steel?

Port Talbot’s Tata Steelworks shut down this week, resulting in 2,800 jobs being put at risk.   Earlier this year it was announced that Tata was making job cuts after plans were released to go ahead with a greener form of steelmaking.     Tata Steel, announced plans to produce steel more environmentally friendly, using…

Experts call for ban on artificial stone worktops over silicosis risk

The growing number of silicosis cases linked to artificial stone worktops has sparked experts to call for urgent action, including a potential ban on these materials.   Silicosis is a fatal lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, which is prevalent in artificial stone due to its high silica content. The disease has no known…

Australia bans engineered stone to protect workers from silica dust

From July 1, Australia banned the use of engineered stone to protect workers from the dangers of silica dust.   Engineered stone is commonly used on kitchen surfaces and worktops, but the silica dust released when cutting and handling the stone poses a serious health risk if inhaled.     Silica dust has been linked…

Silicosis: Concerns raised for migrant workers in stonemasonry industry

Concerns have been raised for the safety of migrant workers who work in the stonemasonry industry after figures show that some are being exposed to toxic materials without protection.   The warning comes as Kevin Bampton, the chief executive of the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), said there were fears over workers being exposed to toxic silica dust when…

Silicosis: Stonemason diagnosed with lung disease after working on historic castle

A stonemason diagnosed with severe lung conditions from harmful dust exposure while working on a historic cathedral says he lives in “constant pain.”   Gordon Walters, 60, started working on the maintenance and renovation of Elgin Cathedral in Moray, north-east Scotland, at age 16 in the 1980s. Over five years, he was exposed to large…

Call for new regulations as Silicosis cases confirmed in UK

A charity is calling for immediate action to prevent workers from developing silicosis after the UK sees its first confirmed cases.   Silicosis is an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling tiny crystalline particles of silica, a mineral found in stone. Silica is often used during the manufacture and finishing of engineered stone worktops, but…

What is Silicosis? List of symptoms, causes and diagnosis

Silicosis is a form of lung disease caused by breathing in crystalline silica dust, usually over an extended period of time.   Silica is a natural substance found in certain types of rock, stone sand and clay, but can cause serious health issues if it is inhaled. People who work in industries that use materials…

R5 Billion settlement in Gold Miners’ Silicosis Case

A High Court in Johannesburg has approved an R5 billion settlement in the ongoing Silicosis case   The agreement affects workers who contracted Silicosis, a long-term lung disease, during or after their employment in gold mines from 1965. In May, lawyers representing the miners joined forces with mining groups in a bid to get the Court…