Silica Dust Safety in the Stone Industry: Smart Strategies to Protect Staff

The stone industry is synonymous with creativity and craftsmanship, producing stunning countertops, tiles, and custom pieces that add elegance and functionality to homes and buildings. From intricate stonework to large-scale construction projects, the versatility and aesthetic appeal of stone make it a favourite for designers and homeowners alike. But behind the beauty of natural and engineered stone lies a hazard—silica dust—that, if not properly managed, can pose serious health risks. 

At Stone Design Concepts, we have taken extra precautions in our production and who we partner with to mitigate the silica dust in our air. Our priorities are not only to create and craft beautiful stone designs but also to ensure we are creating the safest products available. 

What is Silica and Why is it Dangerous? 

Silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in many types of stone, composed of silicon and oxygen. When production staff perform tasks like cutting, sanding, or polishing stone materials, fine silica dust is released into the air. These tiny particles, often too small to see, can be easily inhaled. Over time, this can lead to a condition called silicosis, a lung disease that causes scarring and inflammation. In severe cases, silicosis can be disabling or even fatal. 

Silicosis does not develop overnight; it is a disease that takes years of exposure to manifest, making it particularly dangerous as signs often appear when it’s too late. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, and fatigue. Workers diagnosed with silicosis are also at increased risk of developing other health conditions. 

Silica Safety at Stone Design Concepts

The good news: Silicosis is preventable. By adopting effective dust control methods and strategies, we are creating safer workplaces where our team feels protected and empowered.

In order to protect against silica inhalation, we use water on all of our production equipment to keep dust to a bare minimum. Water helps to suppress dust at the source, preventing it from becoming airborne; wet saws, grinders, and polishers are designed to apply water directly to the cutting or grinding surface, significantly reducing the amount of dust workers are exposed to. We also use a water wall in our shop; this creates negative air pressure in the area and extracts the remaining dust particles in the air.

A third-party air quality expert has tested our environment and confirmed that any particles present were well below industry standards, ensuring a safe and compliant workspace. To keep our pulse on the issue moving forward, air quality monitoring has become a regular occurrence in our shop, as it is crucial for ensuring that the silica dust level always remains within safe and controlled limits. 

Shared Values With Our Stone Suppliers

We believe in building lasting partnerships with companies that share our values of safety, innovation, and sustainability. We prioritize working with like-minded businesses that are equally committed to craftsmanship and workplace safety. Whether it’s sourcing low-silica materials or collaborating on eco-friendly practices, we align ourselves with partners who understand the importance of protecting workers and the environment. This shared commitment ensures that every project we deliver is not only beautiful but responsibly crafted from start to finish.

Take luxury stone supplier Cosentino, for example; their SilestoneXM collection is made with a maximum 10% of crystalline silica content, meaning the material is very safe to work with. This collection combines the beauty of nature-inspired aesthetics with high performance, making it a fabulous choice for both us and our clients.

Ready to bring your vision to life with custom stonework? Contact us to explore our collection of low-silica stone and let us help you create something truly remarkable.