Posted: 07/08/2024
Quartz Countertops and Lung Disease
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The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), the leading scientific charity on the protection of health in the workplace, has added it’s name to the growing list calling for immediate action to help prevent further cases of a deadly lung disease, now being reported in the UK for the first time.
Silicosis, an incurable lung disease, has been known about for many years. However, in recent years younger workers are being reported as being severely affected when working with the cutting and finishing of engineered stone worktops, widely used for kitchen refurbishment. The disease is caused when tiny crystalline particles of silica, a mineral found in stone, are inhaled during cutting, breaking and grinding.
Modern stone kitchen surfaces can often have high silica content creating a risk when dust is not controlled during manufacture, fitting and demolition. The risk is to workers involved in the processes and not to homeowners.
A spate of silicosis in engineered stone workers has led to a ban of the material entirely in Australia, where poor regulation has led to widespread exposure. The United States is also taking emergency regulatory action.
Cheaper than granite or marble, its surge in popularity is being blamed for the rapid rise of silicosis in around the world. In the last year, there have been 11 UK cases including one death from the progressive disease, caused by breathing in crystalline silica dust during manufacturing or fitting. This has led to calls for officials to follow Australia’s example and ban the material to protect workers.
Until then, all possible control measures should be legally enforced to minimise workers’ exposure to the harmful crystalline silica dust generated during its manufacture and fitting, experts say.
The BOHS has been the leader in providing advice on construction risks through a global campaign. The disease is easily preventable using standard controls, such as water suppression of dust, but is almost impossible to treat effectively.
While engineered stone is largely imported, the finishing use of engineered stone, particularly for kitchens, rose significantly in the UK. In 2020, it rose by 75% according to industry data. The UK is home to the largest engineered stone factory in Europe, employing over 350 people.
In a statement, a spokesperson from the Government’s Health and Safety Executive said: ‘Our sympathies are with those who have lost loved ones to any work-related disease.
‘Great Britain has a robust and well-established regulatory framework in place to protect workers from the health risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances.
‘We continue to work with industry to raise awareness of managing the risks of exposure to respirable crystalline silica and we are considering options for future interventions to ensure workers are protected.’
At this time Williamsons do not take on this type of claim because of various difficulties in proving them. However, Williamsons are keeping a close eye on this developing area of law and may review their position in the future.
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