Danger Dust

Abstract

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.

UK cases are likely to increase, with urgent action needed to identify cases and enforce regulations.

2016, the UK Health and Safety Executive published guidance on health surveillance for RCS exposed workers which includes a chest X-ray after 15 years of exposure. Even if these cases had been in a surveillance programme, based on the latency, this approach will fail to detect at least some cases. Furthermore, use of chest X-rays in surveillance for AS silicosis is not sensitive.