Danger Dust

There has been considerable debate as to the main drivers of disease severity and prevalence amongst workers fabricating ES benchtops.

Early studies considered fabrication practices (e.g., wet versus dry cutting) , dust exposure levels and the high level of crystalline silica in many of the slabs (unfinished products) on the market.

However, more recent studies have shown that the situation is more nuanced than this with evidence that fabrication of ES finished products leads to the emission of vapours (e.g., volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and airborne particulate matter other than silica that pose a threat to respiratory health.

In addition, the over-representation of immigrant workers amongst silicosis cases suggests that there are non-material-related factors contributing to disease risk.