An Update on the ISFA/NSI Silica Safety Research Project

July 11, 2024—Earlier this year, the International Surface Fabricators Association partnered with the Natural Stone Institute to take steps to address the issue of silicosis impacting fabrication workers. Building on a legacy of using science to better understand industry needs, the associations commissioned Yale’s Occupational and Environmental Medicine department to serve as a consulting partner to conduct research, address questions about silica exposures and silicosis, and provide guidance on medical surveillance and compliance with government regulations.

“The authoritative information we will receive from the collaboration with Yale will help the industry guide next steps to protect workers and position what steps are necessary to address best practices needed in the fabrication process,” said NSI Board President Katie Jensen.

“This issue is significant and requires all stakeholders’ attention,” added Ted Sherritt, president of ISFA.

Initial research projects include:

1. Literature Review: Yale’s research team has searched, cataloged, critically reviewed and analyzed the available literature relevant to the use of stone and other materials like engineered stone, commonly referred to as quartz. They will provide a summary of relevant articles, including the type of document, authors, study design, key findings, strengths, weaknesses and relevance. This effort will help the industry both understand and be able to refer to available literature when working with public health and regulatory agencies. We anticipate receiving a report of these findings later this summer.

2. Exposure Assessment: Yale is compiling existing air sampling data from industry companies as part of a broader effort to better characterize the nature and extent of workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica. They will also advise and offer guidance on additional air monitoring data, which could help better understand and control workplace silica exposure in the industry. Over 250 countertop and cut-to-size fabrication companies participated in our initial survey this spring and roughly 25% of those participating shared air sampling reports. We appreciate all who participated and look forward to sharing the results.

3. Fabricator Guidance for Workplace Silica Exposure Assessment: To meet the needs of a growing number of companies who may be conducting respirable crystalline silica sampling for the first time and/or want to enhance their past efforts, Yale has assembled a guidance document. The document covers sourcing services, understanding reports and working with a consultant. It is highly recommended that fabricators consult this document to gain insight into best practices for sampling/monitoring. These documents will be available to all members later this summer.

These efforts are proactively being shared with government officials in California and at the federal level. Additional in-the-field studies are anticipated.

“It is vital that science and data be used to drive future decisions specific to exposure sampling, fabrication procedures, and what regulations are prudent,” continued Jensen. “We are being proactive in bringing the industry together with public health officials to collaborate on this science.”