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.


OSHA’s Top 10 Violations of the Year

In the construction and general industry fields, there are quite a number of dangers within the various work environments. This, of course, makes perfect sense when you consider the number of variables one must deal with daily. It is only logical when you

By: Justus Everett
About: Featured
Read More
Lightweight Concrete Masonry Block: Building Efficient Buildings Efficiently

In the construction industry, masonry is a labor-intensive trade. Each day, masons handle thousands of concrete masonry unit (CMU) that form a building’s structure. Because normal weight (NWT) CMU weigh about 50 pounds (lbs), repetitive lifting can strain

By: Jody Wall
About: Featured
Read More
Cultural Heritage Meets Modern Architectural Design: The Alain Ducasse Restaurant, AlUla

For Craft Group’s Alain Ducasse restaurant project in AlUla, we fostered a collaborative effort between the design team and local craftsmen and ensured that the masonry work reflected the area's cultural heritage while meeting modern construction standard

Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 12 Recap: Paul Cantarella Jr., President at Cantarella & Son, Inc.

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Paul Cantarella Jr. joins the show to talk about his career and passion for the masonry industry, how his journey started, the building of his family's company, and his life outside of work as well. Childhoo

By: Justin Stengel
About: Featured
Read More