Trendy quartz worktops linked to lung disease

FASHIONABLE quartz kitchen tops are fuelling a rise in a deadly lung disease, warn doctors.

the artificial stone releases silica dust when it is fabricated and fitters cut them to size.

this causes incurable disease silicosis if inhaled, which is a potential death sentence and impacts quality of life.

Long- term consequences include severe pulmonary fibrosis, a terminal illness that leads to lung scarring.

the counter tops are popular as they are an alternative to granite and marble, and can be made in any colour. Bespoke kitchen islands cost upwards of £10,000.

Some scientists believe a ban needs to be considered as silicosis cases are increasing worldwide in line with demand for the elegant surfaces.

the alarming findings are based on follow-up exams of 106 artificial stone workers in southern Spain.

they were diagnosed with silicosis or severe pulmonary fibrosis between 2009 and 2018.

Lead investigator Dr Antonio

Leon- Jimenez, a lung specialist at Puerta del Mar University Hospital, said: ‘While 6.6 per cent of the workers were initially diagnosed with massive pulmonary fibrosis, 37.7 per cent had more advanced disease at the follow-up exam.

‘this was even though they had left their jobs and were no longer exposed to the harmful dust. In a quarter of the patients, the rate of decline in lung capacity progressed very rapidly.’

Artificial stone is composed of finely crushed stone mixed with synthetic resins.

It has a high silica content and emits respirable crystalline dust (RCS) while being fabricated. Cutting, shaping or finishing can cause permanent and severe lung damage if it is inhaled.

Measures to reduce the concentration of the dust, such as exhaust ventilation techniques, can prevent the disease.

But harmful levels of RCS are still documented in workplaces, usually in small factories.

the investigators want more aggressive engineering controls and treatments to be developed.

American doctors Robert Cohen and Leonard Go add an even stronger cautionary note though.

the experts, who were not involved in the study, said: ‘Given the toxicity of this material and the rising human cost of its use, if engineering controls cannot limit worker exposure to hazardous concentrations of RCS, a ban on AS [artificial stone] needs to be considered. Colourful counter tops are not worth the price paid by these stone workers.’

A study in Australia earlier this year found the rate at which stonemasons are contracting silicosis almost doubled in 12 months.

A campaign is already under way there to get AS banned.

the disease was first recorded in quarry workers and miners in ancient egypt, Rome and Greece.

ten to 20 people die in the UK each year of silicosis, according to the Health and Safety executive.