This review details recent findings related to the health effects of occupational exposure to artificial stone dust and the rapid increase in cases of artificial stone-associated silicosis around the world.
High crystalline silica content artificial stone is now commonly used for the production of kitchen benchtops. Reports of artificial stone silicosis from many countries have noted that workers were typically employed at small workplaces and diagnosed in their 30 to 40 years. Inadequate exposure control measures were standard, including the practice of ‘dry processing’. Dust generated from artificial stone has been noted to have properties that influence toxicity, including high silica content, generation of nanosized particles, and presence of metals and resins. High-resolution CT of artificial stone silicosis has often noted in the presence of ground-glass opacities. This can’t be detected in chest x-ray screening. Increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases, such as scleroderma, has also been reported in this industry.
The study concluded that the potential for widespread undiagnosed respiratory disease in this industry. Provision of more sensitive health screening methods for all at-risk workers and developing new treatment options, particularly for this form of silicosis, is urgently required.
Reference: https://journals.lww.com/co-allergy/Abstract/2021/04000/Artificial_stone_silicosis.4.aspx
