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 working as a tradesman in London, cutting kitchen worktops made from engineered stone over a period of 12 years.
But now he has spoken out about the ‘appalling conditions he was subject to, and how he was often surrounded by dust “like a tornado” that was so thick that he couldn’t see in front of him.’
Silicosis is a growing concern, with more and more people getting diagnosed in the UK every year. It is caused when toxic crystalline silica dust from materials such as quartz is inhaled over time.
These materials are often used for kitchen worktops – which have soared in popularity among homeowners in recent years. However, concerns have been raised over the safety regulations that have been taken in these workshops cutting the stone – putting stonemasons and engineers at risk.
Now Mr. Marzec wants to raise awareness of the condition and the safety precautions that should be taken to minimise the risk of developing the condition.
Speaking to I News, he said: “Because of the work I did cutting quartz worktops, I have been left unable to breathe and in terrible pain,” he said.
“I cannot tell you how angry I am that I was allowed to work in these conditions and that my life has been cut short simply for doing my job.
“I am not the only person whose life has been put at risk by this lethal dust. It is time for urgent action to stop these dangerous working conditions I had to face before other stone workers contract this terrible disease and die.”
i previously reported that confirmed cases in the UK have doubled in recent months, with 16 men now diagnosed, the youngest aged 24. One has died and two have been referred for lung transplant assessment.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that the first cases of silicosis had been diagnosed in engineered stone tradesmen in the UK and all of them are men.
A doctors’ report in August into the first eight cases, led by Dr Jo Feary from the Royal Brompton, an occupational lung disease consultant, found their average age was 34, and warned the numbers are set to rise significantly in coming years as doctors urge the Government to consider a ban on the stone.
Inadequate safety equipment
Mr. Marzec said his employers failed to provide adequate safety equipment and when he asked for a dust extraction tool, he was told to leave if he wasn’t happy.
“We just had masks, and there was no extractor at all. [The dust] was really like when you are in a tornado. You wouldn’t see anything a yard away from you,” he said.
“I asked my employer for an extractor, but he said no, and if you’re unhappy about no extractor here you can just leave. But it’s not that simple. I have young kids to support,” he said.
“I know from a friend that in his workshop there was just one small machine, and in the workshop that I used to work in the ceiling was just almost above me, while it really needs to be high up, so at least three metres.
“So, the whole room was really too small for this kind of work.”
Silicosis symptoms
Mr Marzec said that he first noticed symptoms of silicosis while on holiday a year ago, he noticed he had symptoms when he went swimming and found he couldn’t cover the same distance as he usually would.
His breathing became more laboured and on 20 April this year he was diagnosed with acute silicosis. He deteriorated rapidly and his condition is now terminal, with doctors telling him he has weeks to live.
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
What materials cause silicosis?
Silica is a natural substance found in most rocks, sand and clay. However, different materials contain different amounts of silica.
For example, sandstone contains more than 70% silica, whereas granite might contain 15-30%. Silica is also a major constituent of construction materials such as bricks, tiles, concrete and mortar.
How to prevent silicosis
Silicosis can be prevented by avoiding prolonged exposure to silica dust.
All workplaces must comply with The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, which sets a workplace exposure limit for silica.
Your employer should:
- Warn you about any risks to your health
- Make sure you’re aware of the correct procedures to reduce your risk of exposure to silica dust
- Ssupply you with the necessary equipment to protect you
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.
Ban in Australia
This year, Australia became the first country to ban the use of engineered stone to protect workers from the dangers of silica dust.
Silica dust has been linked to serious diseases and incurable diseases such as lung cancer and silicosis, and now the Australian government has put action into place to protect workers in this industry. The widespread ban includes the manufacture, supply, processing, and installation of engineered stone.
The situation in Australia serves as a critical warning for the UK, where similar occupational health risks exist. Engineered stone is also widely used in the UK, and the dangers of silica dust are well-documented.
The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued guidelines to control exposure to silica dust, but the rising cases of silicosis in Australia highlight the need for more stringent measures.
In the UK, health bodies such as the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) have urged the government for more protection for workers, as the use of engineered stone has risen in recent years.
However, the ban on engineered stone in Australia is a crucial step towards minimising industrial disease in workers.
The new regulations in Australia, effective from September, will mandate enhanced control measures for all silica-containing materials, including water, dust extraction, and ventilation, and the UK should consider similar regulations to protect its workers.
Why the ban was necessary
Silicosis, an occupational lung disease, has been known for many years, affecting stonemasons and miners who inhaled silica dust. In Australia, construction and demolition workers have long been at risk, but the introduction of engineered stone, containing up to 90% silica, about a decade ago, led to a dramatic increase in silicosis cases.
Estimates suggest that one in four workers handling engineered stone has developed the disease. Following Safe Work Australia’s recommendation in October 2023, state and territory work health and safety ministers agreed to the ban in December 2023.
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
Silicosis claims – 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…
