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 cure, making prevention critical.
Artificial stone worktops, although cheaper than natural alternatives like granite or marble, pose significant health risks to workers who cut and shape them.
The first case of silicosis related to this work in the UK was identified last year, and subsequent cases have shown a troubling trend, particularly affecting younger workers, often in their 20s and 30s. The cases documented so far involve men with an average age of 34, and tragically, one has already died from the condition.
Experts, including Dr. Jo Feary, a consultant in occupational lung diseases, emphasised the need for immediate measures to protect workers.
Dr. Jo Feary, a consultant in occupational lung diseases at Royal Brompton hospital and the lead author of the paper, told PA Media:
“I think there needs to be an urgent focus on this disease.
“What’s really striking is it is affecting young people, in their 20s and 30s, and there’s no treatment for it … If they didn’t do their job, they wouldn’t have a disease, and it should be preventable. So we need urgent action.”
Dr. Feary and others argue that these cases are preventable if proper regulations are enforced, drawing parallels to historical protections in other industries, such as the Sheffield cutlery workers in the 1920s.
Meanwhile, another study, led by Dr Patrick Howlett, a Medical Research Council clinical research fellow at Imperial College London, suggests that limiting exposure to silica dust could help.
“This research supports the reduction of permissible exposure limits over an eight-hour working shift,” he said. “Although lowering exposure limits across different settings is challenging, it has been shown to be achievable.
“We strongly believe it is important to reduce the number of silicosis cases, given the severity of the disease.”
Australia bans engineered stone
Australia implemented a ban on engineered stone this year due to similar concerns. In the UK, experts are urging for stricter regulations or even a ban on the material to prevent further cases. They also suggest that lowering permissible exposure limits to silica dust could be a critical step in reducing the incidence of silicosis.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has acknowledged the severity of the situation and expressed sympathy for those affected.
While the UK has a regulatory framework to protect workers, there is an ongoing discussion about how to enhance these protections to prevent further cases of silicosis. The urgency of the issue is underscored by the lack of treatment options for those affected and the devastating impact of the disease.
What is Silicosis?
Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust, usually over many years.
Silica is a substance naturally found in certain types of stone, rock, sand and clay. Working with these materials can create a very fine dust that can be easily inhaled.
Once inside the lungs, it causes swelling (inflammation) and gradually leads to areas of hardened and scarred lung tissue (fibrosis). Lung tissue that’s scarred in this way doesn’t function properly.
Silicosis symptoms
Symptoms usually take years to develop, and many people will not see the signs until they have stopped working with silica dust.
However, symptoms can worsen even if you are no longer exposed.
According to the NHS, Silicosis usually develops after being exposed to silica for 10-20 years. However, with heavy exposure, it can develop within a matter of a few months. Symptoms include:
Silicosis causes
Silicosis is caused by inhaling Silica found in certain types of rock, stone, sand and clay. People who work in the following industries are particularly at risk:
- Stone masonry and stone cutting – especially with sandstone
- Construction and demolition – as a result of exposure to concrete and paving materials
- Worktop manufacturing and fitting
- Pottery, ceramics and glass manufacturing
- Mining and quarrying
- Sandblasting
Silicosis treatment
At present, there is no cure for Silicosis because lung damage cannot be reversed. However, there is treatment available to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. There’s no cure for silicosis because the lung damage can’t be reversed. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
For example, you may be offered long-term home oxygen therapy if you’re having difficulty breathing and have low levels of oxygen in your blood.
Bronchodilator medicines may also be prescribed to widen your airways and make breathing easier.
In very severe cases, a lung transplant may be an option, although there are strict health requirements to meet before this will be considered.
Silicosis claims
If you’ve been diagnosed with silicosis, you may be able to claim compensation for the damages. Oakwood Solicitors Ltd agrees to work on your industrial disease claim on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis.
If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be expected to pay us a penny. If you are successful in your claim, we take a percentage of the compensation meaning that the only time we will receive money is if we have brought your claim to a fruitful conclusion.
You will have a dedicated advisor who will see your claim through from start to finish, assisting you in the event of any queries or issues you may have. If it is preferable to you, we are able to assign a female advisor to carry out your claim.
Your case handler will also continue to provide regular updates until the conclusion of your claim, ensuring the process is as stress-free and effortless as possible.
Further reading
What is Silicosis? List of symptoms, causes and diagnosis – Oakwood Solicitors
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Natasha Hardy is a Solicitor and Head of the Industrial Disease Department, specialising in Industrial Disease matters and has experience in handling a wide range of cases including claims for Noise-I…
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