Medical professionals are raising concerns over a common kitchen item that may be contributing to the spread of “preventable diseases.” This item has been associated with silicosis, a chronic and incurable lung disease. Alarm bells have been rung in the United States, particularly in California, where 31 fatalities have been attributed to silicosis.
In the UK, households are also being urged to inspect their kitchens for quartz materials, especially in countertops. The country has reported 50 cases of silicosis, including four deaths. Both the UK and Australia are advocating for a ban on quartz in stone production due to health concerns.
Silicosis develops from prolonged inhalation of respirable crystalline silica (RCS), which damages the lungs. This condition has often been misdiagnosed, complicating efforts to address it effectively.
Dubbed the “silent killer,” silicosis is becoming an increasing focus for healthcare experts, who worry that the number of cases might signify an “accelerated disease” affecting homes in Britain.
Dr. Johanna Feary, a lung specialist at Royal Brompton Hospital, shared her concerns with Sky News, suggesting that the actual number of silicosis cases could far exceed the 50 reported.
She emphasized, “We are witnessing a worrying trend of accelerated disease among a younger demographic—those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. It is unacceptable that a preventable disease like this is present in Britain in 2026.”
Quartz – a more common name for engineered stone – is made by mixing crushed stone with resins, allowing all manner of colours and patterns to be introduced. While it is not dangerous once installed, it releases high levels of RCS when cut.
Silicosis mainly affected coal miners from the 1920s to 1950s and was a workplace disease that had largely been forgotten. It has been so uncommon as a modern disease that it can often be misdiagnosed.
The Health and Safety Executive has since announced new guidance over the use of quartz and silicosis diagnosis. The stoneworks industry were told that dry cutting the engineered stone is “unacceptable”, with a swell of 1,000 inspections announced for fabricators across Britain.
The NHS lists the main symptoms of silicosis as a persistent cough, persistent shortness of breath, and feelings of weakness and tiredness.
