--- title: Silicosis Risks in the Stone Industry | News | Shawcity description: Learn about occupational silicosis risks in the stone industry and how dust monitoring helps protect workers from silica exposure. image: https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Stone%20cutting%20v2.jpg --- - [Training](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/training) - [Service & Calibration](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-service-calibration-uk) - [Hire](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-hire-uk) - [Customer Support](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/customer-support) - About Us - [About Shawcity](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/about-shawcity) - [Vacancies](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/shawcity-careers) - Resources - [Events](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/events) - [News](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news) - [Contact Us](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/contact) [![Shawcity Logo](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Brand%20Logos/NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png?height=70&name=NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png)](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/) [Login](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/account/login) - Gas Detection - [Portable Gas Detection](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/portable-gas) - [Fixed Gas Detection](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/fixed-gas) - [Ground Gas/ Contaminated Land](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/ground-gas-contaminated-land) - [Calibration Gas](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/calibration-gas) - [Air Quality & Dust](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/air-quality-and-dust) - [Fit Testing](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/fit-testing) - [OEM Gas Sensors](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/oem-gas-sensors) - [Chromium-6](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/chromium-6-detection) - [Drug & Alcohol](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/drugs-alcohol-testing) - [Accessories](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/accessories) [![Shawcity Logo](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Brand%20Logos/NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png?height=70&name=NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png)](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/) ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/2901/3401/t/2/assets/hamburger-icon.svg) ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/2901/3401/t/2/assets/menu-close.svg) Menu - Products - [Portable Gas Detection](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/portable-gas) - [Fixed Gas Detection](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/fixed-gas-monitoring) - [Ground Gas/Contaminated Land](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/ground-gas-contaminated-land) - [Air Quality & Dust](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/air-quality-and-dust) - [Fit Testing](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/fit-testing) - [OEM Gas Sensors](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/oem-gas-sensors) - [Chromium-6](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/chromium-6-detection) - [Drugs & Alcohol](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/drugs-alcohol-testing) - [Accessories](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/accessories) - [Calibration Gas](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/calibration-gas) - [Training](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/training) - [Service & Calibration](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-service-calibration-uk) - [Hire](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-hire-uk) - [Customer Support](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/customer-support) - About Us - [About Shawcity](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/about-shawcity) - [Vacancies](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/shawcity-careers) - Resources - [Brochure](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Shawcity%20overview%20brochure%20MAR%2025%20web.pdf) - [News & Events](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news) [CONTACT US](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/contact) ##### [**Guides & Insights**](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/tag/guides-insights) # Occupational Silicosis in the Stone Industry **Shawcity**|18 March 2024 ![](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Stone%20cutting%20v2.jpg) The effects of silicosis in the stone industry is not an unknown issue. But to what extent are stone workers aware of this issue? Are the specific causes of silicosis in the stone industry common knowledge?  A scientific study from [Nature.com](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-08378-8?fbclid=IwAR18b8jNTVPTqbx2kgFG2dAPw9aPTohdE46dnPLl0qSNF3N3ij9dxeFyjbE#Sec11we) compares the difference between engineered stone and natural stone, in relation to their silica content, shedding some light on where the cause of silicosis could lie in the stone industry.    ## **Silica Dust is causing life-changing problems for stone masons** Silicosis is one of the most dangerous respirable lung diseases in the workplace, especially when exposure to harmful silica dust is a common occurrence, such as in the stone industry.    It is estimated that globally, 40 to 50 million workers are exposed to silica dust in the workplace.    The Nature Stone Institute guide to awareness determines that exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), specifically in the stone industry comes from cutting or grinding materials, most commonly which contain quartz, is composed of silica dust.    ## **Engineered Stone VS Natural Stone** The purpose of the study from nature.com was to see, in relation to RCS, what the most threatening scenario was for worker’s health, in real time, when working with different compositions of stone.    Three types of natural stones – white marble, white granite, and black granite, were compared to 12 engineered stones in this study. By dry-cutting all stones, silica dust was captured in a closed environment and subjected to various assays to determine both chemical and physical properties.   The 12 engineered stones’ silica content varied from one another, and the total RCS content made up of quartz and cristobalite ranged from 70.4% to 90.9%. By comparison, the natural stone’s silica content ranged from 3.5% to 30.1%, marking a clear difference.    As well as this, the dry-cutting of engineered stone generated finer RCS particles with one engineered stone having an average size of as little as 190 nanometres, meaning it could reach deeper in the lungs, in turn causing more damage. Contrastingly, the smallest average particle size of the natural stone was black granite, with an average size of 503 nanometres.    The results of this study concluded that silica dust emissions from engineered stones had a much higher concentration of quartz and cristobalite, therefore having a higher silica content and subsequently more damaging impact on respiratory health.    ## **Is there a solution to Silicosis within the stone industry?** Ultimately, the report concluded that the higher the silica content of the stone, as well as the smaller size of RCS particles, the more dangerous it is to respirable health.  The Natural Stone Institute conclude in their [guide](https://www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/default/assets/file/news/silicosis_industry_guide_tech_module_2008.pdf) to occupational silicosis that there is no cure for silicosis; however, “with the proper equipment, training, vigilance and continual monitoring, you and your shop floor can be free of the dangers”.   Being aware that harmful silica dust is higher within engineered stone, compared to natural stone, and by monitoring for this, as well as using correct respirable protective equipment (RPE) when working with engineered stone, it allows for correct precautions to be taken to avoid silicosis.  ## **Shawcity Solutions** Our trusted manufacturers Trolex have developed an instrument which delivers highly accurate, continuous and the world’s first real-time silica monitor, the [Air XS Silica Dust Monitor](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/products/trolex-air-xs-silica-dust-monitor). Along with other health and safety controls, this is one of the tools that will help to prevent occupational silicosis for those exposed to harmful silica dust in the workplace. The Silica Monitor is designed to function in challenging industrial environments, it detects all forms of crystalline silica and can track changing levels of RCS in complex dust mixtures over time. The [Air XS](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/products/trolex-air-xs-silica-dust-monitor) gives you all the data you need to protect your workforce, improve your processes, reduce costs and ensure that you not only comply with regulations – but that can you prove it as well! For more information on all types of indoor and outdoor air quality and dust monitoring – or to arrange a free demonstration or site visit from one of our sales team to discuss your requirements: Contact Shawcity on: 01367 899419 or email: info@shawcity.co.uk   ##### Share [Previous post](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/workplace-air-quality-dust-monitoring) [Next post](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/fugitive-emissions-monitoring) ## **Latest posts** ##### [![](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Hydrogen%20Sulphide%20Gas%20Cloud%20Over%20Industrial%20Zone.png) Guides & Insights **Why Smell Cannot Reliably Warn You of H₂S** 25 August 2026](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/why-smell-cannot-reliably-warn-of-h2s) ##### [![](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/plant-milk-day.png) Blogs **How Is Plant Milk Made? Pasteurisation & Workplace Safety** 21 August 2026](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/plant-milk-production-pasteurisation-safety) ##### [![](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/bakery-heat-stress.png) Guides & Insights **Bakery Heat Stress: Summer Monitoring & Controls** 18 August 2026](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/bakery-heat-stress-summer-production) [Back to blog](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news) ![Newsletter icon](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Icons/newsletter-icon.svg) ### **Sign up to our newsletter** ### **Sign up to our newsletter** ![Newsletter icon](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Icons/newsletter-icon.svg) ![Shawcity logo](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Brand%20Logos/NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png) ##### Products - [Accessories](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/accessories) - [Air Quality Monitoring](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/search?q=air%20quality) - [Calibration Gas](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/search?q=calibration%20gas) - [View All Products ⇀](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/products) ##### Industries - [Agriculture & Biogas](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/agriculture-biogas-gas-detection) - [Construction](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/construction-gas-monitoring) - [Environmental Projects](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/environmental-gas-monitoring) - [View All Industries ⇀](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/industries) ##### Services - [Training](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/training) - [Service & Calibration](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-service-calibration-uk) - [Hire](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-hire-uk) - [Customer Support](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/customer-support) ##### About - [About Shawcity](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/about-shawcity) - [Vacancies](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/shawcity-careers) - [News](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news) - [Events](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/events) ##### Customer Support - [![Telephone icon](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/2901/3401/t/2/assets/phone-icon.svg) 01367 899553](tel:01367%20899553) - [![Email icon](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/2901/3401/t/2/assets/email-icon@1x.svg) info@shawcity.co.uk](mailto:info@shawcity.co.uk) ##### Get in Touch - [Contact Us](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/contact) - ![Map pin icon](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/2901/3401/t/2/assets/geo-pin-icon.svg) [Shawcity Limited 91-92 Shrivenham Hundred Business Park, Oxfordshire SN6 8TY](https://goo.gl/maps/CWtffn8UgPAM4Xym9) - Products - [Portable Gas](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/portable-gas) - [Fixed Gas Monitoring](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/fixed-gas) - [Ground Gas/Contaminated Land](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/ground-gas-contaminated-land) - [Sound Noise & Vibration](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/sound-noise-and-vibration) - [Air Quality & Dust](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/air-quality-and-dust) - [Fit Testing](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/fit-testing) - [Heat Stress](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/heat-stress) - [Accessories](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/accessories) - [OEM Gas Sensors](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/oem-gas-sensors) - [Calibration Gas](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/calibration-gas) - Services - [Training](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/training) - [Service & Calibration](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-service-calibration-uk) - [Hire](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-hire-uk) - [Customer Support](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/customer-support) - About Us - [About Shawcity](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/about-shawcity) - [Vacancies](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/shawcity-careers) - Resources - [E-catalogue](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/ShawcityE-catalogueWeb21.pdf) - [News & Events](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news) - Customer Support - [![Telephone icon](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/2901/3401/t/2/assets/phone-icon.svg) 01367 899553](tel:01367%20899553) - [![Email icon](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/2901/3401/t/2/assets/email-icon@1x.svg) info@shawcity.co.uk](mailto:info@shawcity.co.uk) - Get in Touch - [Contact Us](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/contact) - ![Map pin icon](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/2901/3401/t/2/assets/geo-pin-icon.svg) [Shawcity Limited 91-92 Shrivenham Hundred Business Park, Oxfordshire SN6 8TY](https://goo.gl/maps/CWtffn8UgPAM4Xym9) ![Pass Certified PAT Tester](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/Logos/pass-certified-PAT-tester@2x.png?width=89&height=60&name=pass-certified-PAT-tester@2x.png) ![Alcumus Safe Contractor](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/Logos/alcumus-safe-contractor@2x.png?width=411&height=73&name=alcumus-safe-contractor@2x.png) ![ISRP Logo Small Websize](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/ISRP%20Logo%20Small%20Websize.jpg?width=106&height=50&name=ISRP%20Logo%20Small%20Websize.jpg) ![BOHS 70 YearWEB](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/BOHS%2070%20YearWEB.png?width=100&height=73&name=BOHS%2070%20YearWEB.png) ![British Safety Council Member](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/Logos/british-safety-council-logo@2x.png?width=117&height=50&name=british-safety-council-logo@2x.png) ![Achilles Procurement](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/AchillesLogoWebsiteSize.png?width=73&height=73&name=AchillesLogoWebsiteSize.png) ![ISO credentials 25](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/ISO%20credentials%2025.png?width=600&height=296&name=ISO%20credentials%2025.png) © Shawcity 2021 [Privacy & Cookie Policy](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/privacy-cookies)  |  [Sales Terms & Conditions](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/terms-conditions-sales)  |  [Hire Terms & Conditions](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hires)  |  [Service Terms & Conditions](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/terms-and-conditions-of-service-calibration)  |  [Carbon Reduction Plan](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/QP43%20Carbon%20Reduction%20Plan.pdf) | [Modern Slavery Statement](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Modern%20Slavery%20Statement.pdf) Company registered in England No. 1273269   |   VAT number: GB 200868972   |   ISO 9001-2015 certified. © Shawcity 2021 [Privacy & Cookie Policy](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/privacy-cookies)  |  [Sales Terms & Conditions](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/terms-conditions-sales)  |  [Hire Terms & Conditions](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hires)  |  [Service Terms & Conditions](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/terms-and-conditions-of-service-calibration)  |  [Carbon Reduction Plan](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/QP43%20Carbon%20Reduction%20Plan.pdf) | [Modern Slavery Statement](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Modern%20Slavery%20Statement.pdf) Company registered in England No. 1273269   |   VAT number: GB 200868972   |   ISO 9001-2015 certified.