Artificial stone silicosis
Artificial stone silicosis: A UK case series
Silicosis due to artificial stone (AS) has emerged over the last decade as an increasing global issue. We report the first eight UK cases. All were men; median age was 34 years (range 27–56) and median stone dust exposure was 12.5 years (range 4–40) but in 4 cases was 4–8 years. One is deceased; two were referred for lung transplant assessment. All cases were dry cutting and polishing AS worktops with inadequate safety measures. Clinical features of silicosis can closely mimic sarcoidosis.
ARTIST study
Coming soon near you!
What is it?
Researchers at Imperial College are carrying out research to answer some key questions relating to silicosis in UK worktop fabricators.
Who is funding it?
The research is funded by the National Institute for Health Research and the Colt Foundation
Who is involved?
Imperial College is leading the research in collaboration with the Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF), University of Manchester and the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM).
What will it involve?
Researchers will visit fabricating companies who are members of WFF and
- Provide education about the health effects of silica
- Invite workers to take part in the study which includes a lung scan (CT) and blood/urine tests
- Carry out and provide a report of silica measurements at each workplace (in association with the IOM)
How much will it cost my business?
This will all be free of charge to the companies
Will my results be shared with HSE?
We will not share the individual reports with the HSE
What happens next?
More information will be provided once the study has formally launched but please get in touch to register interest or if you have any questions (Chief investigator: Dr Jo Feary: j.feary@imperial.ac.uk)
BTS Winter Meeting 2025
Wed, 26 Nov 2025
The Lungs at Work team attended, presented and chaired at the most recent British Thoracic Society (BTS) Winter Meeting between 26-28 November 2025 in Westminster, London.
Our team presented the following abstracts:
Dr Jo Feary featured in iNews campaign on artificial stone silicosis
Mon, 04 May 2026
Dr Jo Feary has been quoted in a recent article published by the iPaper about silicosis due to artificial/engineered stone ("More young men ‘will die’ of kitchen revamp disease as cases go undetected titled" - iPaper, 4th May 2026)
Feature in GiST magazine (Issue 49)
Tue, 31 Mar 2026
Our clinical service was recently featured in an article about artificial stone silicosis in
Health effects of silica dust
Wed, 07 May 2025
We have worked with the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) to develop an information document on silicosis from artificial/engineered stone. The document aims to provide background information and practical strategies for occupational health surveillance.
ITV News feature on silicosis from artificial stone
Thu, 04 Jun 2026
Media coverage continues for on the rise in cases of silicosis amongst workers, primarily stonemasons, caused by exposure to artificial/engineered stone.
ITV News recently aired a piece on Monday 1 June 2026 focusing on a widow who lost her husband to silicosis, and the dangers of working with artificial stone.
Lungs At Work team member Dr Jo Feary was also featured in the report, and continues to do a huge amount of work to raise awareness and understanding of silicosis due to artificial stone.
Jo Feary featured in iNews campaign on artificial stone silicosis
Tue, 16 Dec 2025
The i Paper has recently published several articles about silicosis due to artificial/engineered stone. The articles are part of a wider campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of working with this type of stone, and to improve health surveillance and accountability of UK employers which are still using these products. The i Paper is ultimately calling for ban of artificial/engineered stone in the UK.
Jo Feary speaks at All Party Parliamentary Party Group on artificial stone silicosis
Mon, 03 Nov 2025
Dr Johanna Feary recently spoke to MPs and peers at the All Party Parliamentary Party Group (APPG) on Occupational Safety & Health on Monday 3 November 2025, about the increasing number of patients in the UK diagnosed with silicosis caused by artificial/engineered stone.
Industry experts at the Westminster meeting including clinicians, politicians, union leaders and legal teams came together to discuss the dangers of artificial/engineered stone. Many are calling for a UK-wide ban on these stones with such high silica content.
Jo Feary speaks at annual FOM conference 2026
Thu, 15 Jan 2026
Dr Jo Feary discussed occupational asthma and the rising risks of accelerated silicosis from engineered stone at the recent annual conference hosted by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) for Occupational Medicine Resident and Portfolio Pathway doctors, titled "Occupational Health Horizons: Empowering Tomorrow’s Practitioners".
The conference was held on 15th January 2026 at the University of Warwick, UK.
