Rising Cases of Silicosis Among Young Stonemasons in the UK

Luke Bunker, a 29-year-old former stonemason from Royston, Hertfordshire, was diagnosed with silicosis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after nearly a decade of cutting quartz kitchen worktops. His diagnosis highlights a troubling trend: a significant increase in silicosis cases among young stonemasons in the UK, with at least 45 cases reported in the past two years. The rise is attributed to the booming demand for quartz countertops, which contain up to 95% silica, a substance known to produce harmful respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust when cut without adequate safety measures.

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Bunker worked in an environment where safety protocols were insufficient. Despite the presence of dust extraction tools, they frequently malfunctioned, and the personal protective equipment provided, such as masks, did not fit properly. Bunker described the workshop as a "fog of dust," where cutting operations generated excessive amounts of harmful particles. He and his colleagues raised concerns about the inadequate safety measures, which they felt were ignored by their employer.

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Following his diagnosis, Bunker has taken legal action against the firm where he worked, represented by Irwin Mitchell, a law firm specializing in occupational disease cases. Alex Shorey, an occupational disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, noted that young stonemasons like Bunker are experiencing silicosis at much earlier ages than typically seen in other industries, where such diseases usually manifest in workers aged 40 to 60 after prolonged exposure.

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Bunker advocates for improved health and safety regulations in the industry, suggesting that regular inspections are necessary to ensure compliance. He expressed a desire for stricter measures, including a potential ban on quartz countertops, similar to regulations in Australia. Bunker emphasized the need for a cultural shift in the industry, where workers should feel empowered to refuse unsafe work conditions without fear of repercussions.

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Health and safety measures in the stonemasonry industry have been criticized as outdated. Shorey remarked, “Health and safety measures put in place by some employers remain woefully inadequate... not what anyone would expect in 2025.” Bunker’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for young workers, urging them to prioritize their safety over job security.

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• “I was starting to get chest pains, and then I started to get a lot worse,” — Luke Bunker, Former Stonemason

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• “I think there needs to be a lot more scrutiny on it,” — Luke Bunker, Former Stonemason

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• “Health and safety measures put in place by some employers remain woefully inadequate,” — Alex Shorey, Occupational Disease Lawyer

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The alarming rise in silicosis cases among young stonemasons underscores the urgent need for improved safety standards in the industry. As the demand for quartz countertops continues to grow, so does the responsibility of employers to protect their workers from the dangers of silica dust.

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