The recent 18 cases of silicosis linked to the processing of artificial stone worktops, and subsequent calls for a ban – like Australia’s last year – growing louder, are hugely concerning.

As a manufacturer with over two decades in the solid surface industry, I believe it’s crucial we address this issue with precision rather than panic; it demands clarity, expertise, and a recommitment to safety across our sector.

For years, industry bodies have primarily focused on fabrication as the point of most risk for silica exposure, and evidence still supports this. It’s during the initial cutting and polishing of engineered stone containing high levels of crystalline silica that the greatest amount of hazardous dust is generated.

A common misconception is that quartz emits silica in its installed state, whereas, in reality, exposure occurs during cutting and polishing.

Wet cutting in workshops minimises airborne dust, but on-site alterations during installation, such as trimming upstands and routing sink cutouts, often require dry cutting. Without proper extraction and PPE, this can lead to dust containing silica becoming airborne. 

The new HSE guidance, primarily directed at installers, outlines safety measures to mitigate this risk.

While responsible fabricators enforce safety measures onsite, some companies fail to invest in these tools, and sometimes workers neglect to wear protective gear.

On commercial sites, strict health and safety protocols are typically enforced, but domestic installations rely on self-governance which has led to a growing stigma among homeowners and kitchen studios. 

Mixed messages

Perhaps the most important message for specifiers, designers, and retailers to understand is that worktop materials vary dramatically in their composition, fabrication requirements, and health risks.

Engineered stone, such as quartz, contains much higher levels of crystalline silica than natural stone and is a greater risk to workers processing it without proper protection.

Unlike natural stone, Velstone is non-porous, 100% silica-free, and completely safe to machine and use, producing only non-hazardous ‘nuisance dust’ during fabrication.

Some manufacturers have begun offering safer, “silica-free” engineered quartz products, which is a positive development. However, these alternatives can be charged at a premium, and they lack the mechanical strength of the conventional quartz products.

To ensure informed decision-making, designers and specifiers must deepen their understanding of materials, retailers should accurately communicate safety requirements, and fabricators and installers must have proper training and equipment.

While the importance of PPE has always been highlighted in guidelines, silica exposure concerns date back at least 20 years, though back then, the long-term risks were largely theoretical. 

Without government intervention, such as licensing requirements or penalties for non-compliance, those concerns are unlikely to disappear. 

What the current spotlight on artificial stone and silicosis does offer our industry is an opportunity to re-evaluate and improve practices. The recent headlines should not serve as a source of industry-wide panic but as a chance for positive change.

As Australia’s ban demonstrates, regulatory intervention may become necessary if the industry doesn’t address these concerns voluntarily. Rather than waiting for such measures, forward-thinking companies should be proactive to set new standards for what professionals and consumers alike should expect from modern solid surfacing materials.