NSI and ISFA Announce Silica Exposure Literature Review

Words: Amy Oakley

NSI and ISFA are proud to present a literature review that summarizes the growing library of studies related to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure. Completed by Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the study covers 34 publications and documents focused primarily on materials and work methods specific to RCS exposure from the fabrication of natural and engineered stone countertops.

The study of this literature aims to showcase key findings, trends, and conclusions from the publications, and highlights strengths and weaknesses from each. The anticipated result of this review was to identify the primary cause(s) of risk for RCS exposure and to identify effective controls and work methods to reduce or eliminate future silicosis cases. A major finding of this review is the need for additional and more detailed research into products, control strategies, and the need for increased RCS workplace air sampling and medical evaluations of workers.

NSI and ISFA are hopeful that by sharing this information, industry stakeholders will gain a better understanding of best practices and effective control strategies. We also hope that this will lead to safer workplaces for industry stakeholders and their employees.

The full literature review can be found online on NSI’s silica safety page. A second report analyzing data from a recent air sampling study from NSI and ISFA members will be available later this year. An additional literature review on medical-related studies is planned for 2025. Learn more at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/silica.

__________________________

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.


La Maison Franchère: How Masonry Turns Functional Buildings Into Timeless Beauty

La Maison Franchère, or the Franchers’ House, stands as a notable relic of stone architecture in Saint-Mathies, a small Quebec town on the edge of the Richelieu River. Unlike the neighboring homes, this towering, two-and-a-half-story mansion immediately c

By: Vera Autushka
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 5 Recap: Zach Everett

Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Masonry Strong podcast! Today, we have a very special guest, Zach Everett, sharing his journey and experiences in the world of safety within the masonry industry. From humble beginnings to becoming a vital

By: Justin Stengel
About: Featured
Read More
What Is Crisis Management?

Crisis management is a process that employers use to respond to, and recover from, unplanned events. The best time to develop a crisis management plan is before a crisis occurs. A crisis management plan can help companies maintain business continuity, pro

By: Michael Rosser
About: Featured
Read More
Cost Management and Efficiency in Masonry Projects

With masonry being a piece count trade, the more units that are laid in the field that surpass the quantity figured in the estimate, the more profit that is made. Masonry crews in the field need a good foreman that is capable of organizing the crew, posit

By: Domenic Livoli
About: Featured
Read More
Interested in working with us? Learn about and join the Masonry Alliance Program →