Silicosis: Scientific Research & Guidance
Natural Stone Institute has an active partnership with the Yale School of Medicine, bringing top-tier medical expertise directly into the stone industry’s safety efforts. With this, we have delivered the first comprehensive, science-driven guidance documents specific to fabrication environments.
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Scientific Research on Silicosis
Work Practices and Respirable Crystalline Silica Exposures in Stone Countertop Fabrication Shops
Published in American Journal of Industrial Medicine in September 2025, a new RCS Exposure Study based on industry-provided air sample data was developed through Yale's Research team. This research is based on the largest pool of U.S. air sampling data specifically from stone fabrication shops to date. It highlights achievements that are possible with engineering controls and the ongoing need for more education and improved safety practices.
Yale Literature Review: Exposure Studies (Part One)
A Yale Occupational & Environmental Medicine review of 34 key publications focused on workplace respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposures in countertop/stone fabrication—drawing from real-world monitoring studies and controlled experimental testing. It summarizes exposure drivers, flags additional non-silica emissions from engineered stone processing, and compiles evidence that wet methods and/or local exhaust ventilation can dramatically reduce RCS.
Yale Literature Review: Medical Studies (Part Two)
A Yale Occupational & Environmental Medicine literature review summarizing 69 publications (2010–2024) on adverse health outcomes associated with RCS dust exposure, including clinical case series, surveillance/epidemiology findings, and emerging biomarker research. It highlights common patterns in engineered-stone–associated silicosis, emphasizes dry cutting with hand tools as a repeatedly cited risk factor, and notes that OSHA-required chest X-ray/spirometry can miss early disease, underscoring the need for stronger controls and better surveillance data in well-controlled workplaces.
Coming Soon:
Ongoing research efforts are ongoing and coordinated by the NSI’s safety committee. Here is a list of what is currently in development.
Stone Industry Medical Surveillance Study: Yale School of Medicine is actively addressing a gap in current research and providing updated data on worker health outcomes. The goal of this study is to show that long-term career employees can remain healthy when working in facilities with effective controls and safety programs in place.
Economic Impact of Silica Regulation Compliance Study: This report will illustrate the investment required to comply with OSHA and MSHA regulations, supporting both advocacy and practical understanding at fabrication facilities. The goal of this study will be to define realistic economic investments that can positively improve worker safety.
Reference Guides Based on Science
Grounded in scientific research and tailored specifically to the stone fabrication industry, these guidance documents translate complex health and exposure data into practical, actionable recommendations to help companies better understand risk and strengthen workplace safety practices.
Respirator Selection Criteria for Respirable Crystalline Silica
Medical Surveillance Guidance for Employers
Fabricator Guidance for Workplace Silica Exposure Assessment
Sampling Firm/Consultant Guidance for Workplace Silica Exposure Assessments
Our Commitment to Safety
The Natural Stone Institute is committed to equipping the industry with clear, research-based guidance and practical tools to prevent silicosis and strengthen workplace safety.
Explore the sections below to learn more about:
- Silica & Slab Safety Certificate
- Reference Guides
- In-Person Silica Training & Updates
- OSHA Silica Rule
- Cal/OSHA Silica Standard
- Guidance for Compliance
- Scientific Research on Silica Safety
- Reference Guides Based on Science
- State of Silica Safety
- Regulatory & Legal Updates
- Important Headlines
Safety programming is supported by the members of the NSI Safety Committee:
The Natural Stone Foundation provided a generous grant to fund the 2023 update to the Silica & Slab Safety Certificate.
