8261442 International approaches to artificial stone silicosis prevention

<h3>Objective</h3> Many countries have seen cases of silicosis in workers exposed to dust from artificial stone (AS silicosis). Australia banned the use of this material in 2024. However, little is known about the incidence of AS silicosis in other countries and what approaches are adopted to reduce the risk of silicosis in exposed populations. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> A survey was distributed to occupational and respiratory health professionals in Europe, to collect information on number of AS silicosis cases , health surveillance and policy initiatives. <h3>Results</h3> 62 responses were obtained from 20 countries. Twenty respondents from 7 countries reported that AS silicosis cases have been observed, with the number of cases ranging from 5 to 50-100. Ten respondents have seen patients with AS silicosis. Most reported that health surveillance for silicosis was available, but nearly half claimed that health surveillance was not effective in identifying silicosis cases. Research is being carried out, or is the process of being set up, by 9 respondents, and included epidemiological (cross-sectional, case-control) and exposure studies. Others reported that specific health surveillance or case registries were set up. Over 50% of the respondents believed that a ban should be implemented. Only 3 respondents claimed that a ban was being discussed in their country, although other risk management initiatives risk were reported. Eight respondents reported that high silica content AS was being replaced by lower silica content materials. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Given the widespread use of AS, and likely underdiagnosis of silicosis, it is highly likely the cases of AS silicosis observed to date present only the ‘tip of the iceberg’, and that a sustained effort is required to determine and reduce the risk of working with these materials. Most of the participants were in favour of a ban of the use of engineered stone for kitchen worktops.