In January 2024 the Natural Stone Institute board of directors took a significant step to address the issue of silicosis impacting fabrication workers. Building on a legacy of utilizing science to better understand industry needs that began with the radon crisis, the board commissioned Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine to serve as a consulting partner to assist in and/or conduct research, address questions on silica exposures and silicosis, and provide guidance on medical surveillance and compliance with government regulations.

NSI board president Katie Jensen commented: “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.”

Shortly after engaging with Yale, the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) partnered with NSI to assist with strategy development and sharing costs needed to address this important issue. ISFA board president and NSI accredited fabricator Ted Sherritt shared: “This issue is significant and requires all stakeholders to be participating. As a member of both organizations, I’m proud to bring the resources of ISFA to join NSI in this effort.”


Initial research projects include:

1. Literature Review:  Yale’s research team has searched, cataloged, and critically reviewed and analyzed the available literature relevant to the use of natural stone and other relevant alternatives (e.g. engineered quartz and other materials) to natural stone. They will provide a summary of relevant articles including the type of document, authors, study design, key findings, strengths, weaknesses, and relevance to NSI. This effort will help the industry both understand and be able to utilize available literature when working with public health and regulatory agencies. We anticipate receiving a report of these findings in summer 2024.


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 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/or 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 for stone fabricators seeking air monitoring services. 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 on NSI’s silica page later this summer.


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

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


Members and industry partners are reminded to utilize NSI silica training courses and resources found online at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/silica.