Natural Stone Institute Releases New "Yale Literature Review: Medical Studies" and Marks Silica Safety Training Milestone
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Natural Stone Institute
(440) 250-9222
networking@naturalstoneinstitute.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oberlin, OH, July 25 2025 —The Natural Stone Institute (NSI), in collaboration with the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), is pleased to announce the publication of Yale Literature Review: Medical Studies, the second part of its two-part comprehensive review on silica exposure in the stone industry. This latest report delves into peer-reviewed medical research to evaluate the health impacts of respirable crystalline silica and inform safety strategies tailored to natural stone professionals.
Earlier in 2025, NSI and ISFA issued Part One: Exposure Studies, compiling existing data on respirable silica levels in stone fabrication environments. The new medical studies review builds on that foundation by examining clinical findings, respiratory impacts, and long-term health implications, providing essential insights to shape industry safety protocols.
“By bridging exposure data with medical outcomes, this review offers the practical evidence professionals need to better safeguard their teams,” said Jim Hieb, NSI CEO. “NSI continues to lead with research-backed initiatives that protect both workers and businesses.”
In conjunction with this release, NSI is celebrating a significant achievement: over 1,500 individuals have now earned the Silica & Slab Safety Certificate through NSI’s training programs: available both in-person and online. This widespread adoption underscores a growing industry commitment to best-practice safety and proactive risk management.
“This milestone reflects a united effort across the industry to elevate workplace safety,” noted Hieb. “As more fabricators become certified, it demonstrates the real-world impact of accessible, science-informed training.”
These efforts are part of NSI’s ongoing dedication to workplace wellness initiatives, such as earlier 2025 releases like the Medical Surveillance Guidance document co-authored with ISFA (learn more). Combined with these new reports and training milestones, NSI strengthens its leadership in driving evidence-based safety standards throughout the natural stone sector.
Explore the full report and related silica safety resources at naturalstoneinstitute.org/silica.
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About the Natural Stone Institute
The Natural Stone Institute is a trade association representing every aspect of the natural stone industry. The current membership exceeds 2,000 members in over 50 nations. The association offers a wide array of technical and training resources, professional development opportunities, regulatory advocacy, and networking events. Two prominent publications—the Dimension Stone Design Manual and Building Stone Magazine—raise awareness within the natural stone industry and in the design community for best practices and uses of natural stone. Learn more at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org.
About the International Surface Fabricators Association
The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) is globally recognized as a premier trade organization serving the architectural surface industry. ISFA exists to help fabricators and other industry professionals increase product quality, improve safety measures, encourage professionalism and elevate profitability by facilitating education, standards, and camaraderie. ISFA values innovation, dependability, trust, honesty, ethics, and serving others above all else. Learn more at www.isfanow.org.
