Silicosis is an irreversible long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust.
Silica is a substance naturally found in certain types of stone, rock, sand and clay. The last two decades have also seen rapid growth in use of ‘quartz’ or artificial/engineered stone in the manufacture of stone worktops, which typically contains more silica than natural stone. This has primarily been noted among kitchen worktop makers.
In the UK, the first cases were identified in 2023, and numbers are steadily rising - a trend that is expected to continue in the coming years. This form of silicosis disproportionately affects young men and often presents as acute or accelerated disease, with exposure durations typically well under 15 years. It is associated with high mortality.
We have worked with the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) to develop a presentation on silicosis from artificial stone, providing background information and practical strategies for occupational health surveillance.
