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A report has been published in the medical journal BMJ on the first eight cases in the UK of silicosis due to artificial stone.
Artificial stone is commonly used to fabricate kitchen and bathroom worktops. It is easier to work with and more resistant to damage than natural stone. Its use has become increasingly popular in the UK in the last 20 years. It has a very high silica content and processing it can create high concentrations of airborne particles, which can be breathed in by those working with it.
The increasing use of artificial stone globally has led to the emergence of a severe new form of silicosis, an irreversible, disabling lung disease caused by inhalation of silica dust. Although the first case in the UK was not reported until 2023, cases have been reported in several other countries since 2010.
The eight cases reported so far in the UK were in men between the ages of 27 and 56, who were exposed to stone dust for an average of 12.5 years. According to the BMJ report, cases are likely to increase significantly in the UK.