Silicosis Risk Linked to Modern Kitchen Worktop Materials
Are you a kitchen fitter? If so, it’s vital that you take precautions when cutting worktops that could contain silica particles. Exposure to silica can lead to an incurable lung disease called silicosis.
Despite being known for many years, an impending influx of cases is likely to occur, according to BOHS, as cases are now being reported in the UK for the first time. The consensus is that the cause of silicosis is likely exposure to silica particles released when cutting some modern stone surfaces used in kitchens. It’s not just kitchen installers who are at risk of exposure to silica particles and potential silicosis; those involved throughout the entire manufacturing process, from production to installation, are also in danger.
BOHS also identifies that engineered stone is largely imported (shifting the manufacturing risk to workers overseas). However, the finishing of the stone occurs in the UK, where kitchen fitters cut the material to size for new installations. This places the risk on individuals who may not be wearing respirators or who are wearing respirators that are not correctly fitted. The demand for quartz worktops, which increased by 75% in 2020 according to industry data quoted in the BOHS article, runs parallel to home renovations during the COVID-19 period. Further data in the BOHS article reveals that quartz contains a staggering 90% silica content, while other popular stones like Sensa/Scalea can have a silica content ranging from 0% to 99%.
Worryingly, the UK Government is slow to react to the potentially large uplift in silicosis cases from the exposure to silica dust during the demand period for types of worktops, and before the aforementioned 2020 trend. In the article, BOHS states that, “A spate of silicosis in engineered stone workers has led to a ban of the material entirely in Australia, where poor regulation has led to widespread exposure. The United States is also taking emergency regulatory action. Reports from the Royal Brompton Hospital have identified at least 3 confirmed cases, weeks after a Government Minister denied in Parliament that there was any evidence of silicosis cases in the UK.”
Given the slow response to this critical information and the absence of formal legislation from the UK government to prevent the use of silica in the manufacturing process for kitchen worktop products, G&L Consultancy emphasises the importance of a properly selected and fitted face respirator for those who cut worktops and install worktops for kitchens.
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