Silica dust exposure limit should be reduced to “prevent hundreds of deaths” from silicosis – TUC

Doctors writing in Thorax, the journal of the British Thoracic Society, warn of a future ‘epidemic’ and call for action following first UK cases of silicosis from cutting artificial stone

The TUC is calling for a reduction in the legal limit for workplace exposure to silica dust following the publication of new evidence of the risk to workers in Thorax, the journal of the British Thoracic Society.

The article is by a team of doctors associated with the first 8 cases of silicosis – an irreversible lung disease – in UK workers who inhaled dust from cutting artificial stone (a composite material made from crushed stone bound by adhesive).

The use of artificial stone for kitchen worktops has increased in recent years. And this is leading to more workers involved in supply chains and installation being exposed to silica dust when the artificial stone is cut.

With the rapid growth in the use of artificial stone in the UK, the doctors say: “A concerted effort is required in the UK to prevent the epidemic seen in other countries.”

The Thorax article follows calls in 2023 from All Party Parliamentary Group for Respiratory Health for the Health and Safety Executive to halve the Workplace Exposure Limit for silica dust.

TUC Health and Safety Policy Officer Shelly Asquith said:

“Everyone should be safe at work. But workplace dust can be lethal – and the current exposure limit for silica is far too high.

“Research shows that if the workplace exposure limit was halved it could prevent hundreds of deaths in the decades ahead.  The Health and Safety Executive should take urgent action to reduce the limit, and they should review the evidence presented by doctors calling for a ban.

“We also need tougher enforcement, with more resources for the Health and Safety Executive, as we know there are rogue companies who play fast and loose with the safety of the people they employ.”