Silicosis Surge in the UK Quartz Industry

Since mid-2023 more than 50 stonemasons who cut quartz kitchen worktops in the United Kingdom have been diagnosed with silicosis, an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling high-silica dust. Four of the affected workers have died, and many patients are in their twenties and thirties, with 60 % identified as migrant labourers.

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Engineered quartz entered the UK market after 2020, when imports rose by 70 % while domestic production lagged, prompting a surge in DIY cutting. Dr Jo Feary, a respiratory consultant at the Royal Brompton Hospital, treats most cases. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Respiratory Health have highlighted the crisis.

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More than 50 quartz workers have been diagnosed, with four deaths. Dr Feary’s clinic saw 22 self-referrals; 78 % received a silicosis diagnosis and the youngest patient was 23. Twenty-nine percent had under ten years of exposure, and 60 % are migrant labourers. An analysis suggests over 1 000 of the roughly 7 000 UK workers could already be affected. HSE’s inspection targets 1 000 firms; of the first 11 inspected, four received prohibition notices for dry cutting.

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In May 2024 HSE issued its first engineered-stone guidance, banning dry cutting without water suppression and requiring wet cutting. A nationwide inspection of 1 000 firms has begun, with prohibition notices already issued. Deputy director Mike Calcutt said the priority is to prevent silica-dust exposure, while keeping a full quartz ban as a possible option if controls fail.

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Kevin Bampton, chief executive of the British Occupational Hygiene Society, said the outbreak reflects a systemic failure, citing the 70 % import surge in 2020 and the ease of DIY cutting. He warned doctors lack occupational-health training and that the Department of Health and Social Care has not acted with urgency, dismissing claims that tighter regulation would cripple small businesses.

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• “So, at least 10 per cent of any population of workers where they’ve had screening have got disease,” — Dr Jo Feary, Respiratory Consultant, Royal Brompton Hospital

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• “I have families where an uncle comes in with their nephew and both of them have silicosis because they’ve worked together,” — Dr Jo Feary, Respiratory Consultant, Royal Brompton Hospital

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• “The Romans used to put RPE [respiratory protective equipment] on their slaves, because they didn’t want the cost of losing slaves to respiratory problems,” — Kevin Bampton, Chief Executive, British Occupational Hygiene Society

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• “We have proved through our research that exposure can be prevented by implementing the measures we’ve got in place.” — Mike Calcutt, Deputy Director, HSE Engagement and Policy Division

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HSE will continue inspections across the targeted 1 000 firms, with further prohibition notices expected. Dr Feary’s clinic will maintain its self-referral pathway while lobbying for a national screening programme and faster IIDB processing. Parliamentary pressure is mounting for urgent policy action.

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