Silicosis
Artificial stone silicosis: A UK case series
Silicosis due to artificial stone (AS) has emerged over the last decade as an increasing global issue. We report the first eight UK cases. All were men; median age was 34 years (range 27–56) and median stone dust exposure was 12.5 years (range 4–40) but in 4 cases was 4–8 years. One is deceased; two were referred for lung transplant assessment. All cases were dry cutting and polishing AS worktops with inadequate safety measures. Clinical features of silicosis can closely mimic sarcoidosis.
BTS Winter Meeting 2025
Wed, 26 Nov 2025
The Lungs at Work team attended, presented and chaired at the most recent British Thoracic Society (BTS) Winter Meeting between 26-28 November 2025 in Westminster, London.
Our team presented the following abstracts:
Concentrations of respirable crystalline silica and radon among tanzanite mining communities in Mererani, Tanzania
Background
Globally, the number of small-scale miners (SSM) is estimated to be more than 25 million, but it supports the livelihoods of around 100 million individuals. In Tanzania, the number of SSM has increased from an estimated 150,000 in 1987 to ~1.5 million in 2017. The miners are at a high risk of occupational-related health challenges. The study aimed to assess the concentrations of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and radon among the tanzanite mining communities in Simanjiro District, Tanzania.
Confronting the growing epidemic of silicosis and tuberculosis among small-scale miners
An estimated 49·5 million small-scale miners worldwide are exposed to high concentrations of silica during their work. The substantial morbidity and mortality of silicosis and tuberculosis among workers exposed to such intensities have been documented. This Viewpoint raises concern at the failure to respond to a growing epidemic of lung disease (predominantly silicosis and tuberculosis) among small-scale miners.
ERS Congress 2025
Sat, 27 Sep 2025
Dr Patrick Howlett and Dr Johanna Feary both attended the ERS Congress 2025 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Patrick also did a poster presentation on his current research on "the prevalence and determinants of silicosis among current and ex-gemstone miners in Northern Tanzania" (PA1579).
Health effects of silica dust
Wed, 07 May 2025
We have worked with the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) to develop an information document on silicosis from artificial/engineered stone. The document aims to provide background information and practical strategies for occupational health surveillance.
Jo Feary featured in iNews campaign on artificial stone silicosis
Mon, 04 May 2026
Dr Jo Feary has been quoted in a recent article published by the iPaper about silicosis due to artificial/engineered stone ("More young men ‘will die’ of kitchen revamp disease as cases go undetected titled" - iPaper, 4th May 2026)
Jo Feary featured in iNews campaign on artificial stone silicosis
Tue, 16 Dec 2025
The i Paper has recently published several articles about silicosis due to artificial/engineered stone. The articles are part of a wider campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of working with this type of stone, and to improve health surveillance and accountability of UK employers which are still using these products. The i Paper is ultimately calling for ban of artificial/engineered stone in the UK.
Jo Feary speaks at All Party Parliamentary Party Group on artificial stone silicosis
Mon, 03 Nov 2025
Dr Johanna Feary recently spoke to MPs and peers at the All Party Parliamentary Party Group (APPG) on Occupational Safety & Health on Monday 3 November 2025, about the increasing number of patients in the UK diagnosed with silicosis caused by artificial/engineered stone.
Industry experts at the Westminster meeting including clinicians, politicians, union leaders and legal teams came together to discuss the dangers of artificial/engineered stone. Many are calling for a UK-wide ban on these stones with such high silica content.
Jo Feary speaks at annual FOM conference 2026
Thu, 15 Jan 2026
Dr Jo Feary discussed occupational asthma and the rising risks of accelerated silicosis from engineered stone at the recent annual conference hosted by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) for Occupational Medicine Resident and Portfolio Pathway doctors, titled "Occupational Health Horizons: Empowering Tomorrow’s Practitioners".
The conference was held on 15th January 2026 at the University of Warwick, UK.
