An Outbreak of Artificial Stone Silicosis in Israel—A Call for Worldwide Awareness

Abstract

Israel's stone industry is witnessing a drastic rise in silicosis among marble shops' workers. Silicosis is a severe occupational lung disease caused from exposure to silica dust. Though it is preventable, silicosis is not curable—and sadly, in 2015 workers still die from this disease. A total of 203 new cases were identified since 2009 alongside with an increase in use of artificial quartz surfaces at ~500 enterprises. These high-end and durable countertops Israeli-made surfaces, introduced in 1987, consist of up to 93% of crystalline silica (SiO2). Analyses of registered cases (2012-2014) indicate a short latency period (64% ≤20 years; 37% ≤10 years), as compared to former registry. Other characteristics of artificial stone processing are hardness of material; using high speed hand tools that produce 1-100µm dust particles; and short processing tasks with high volumes of silica dust dispersion and exposure. The Israeli Safety and Health administration (IL-SHA) fights silicosis from ground level by imposing indictments; enhancement of enforcement while tightening demands; and updating legislation in order to conduct a permits’ regime for marketing and processing. Additionally, an intervention program in marble shops that process artificial stone is about to be launched. Fruitful collaboration with the Spanish National Silicosis Institute resulted in a joint workshop on planning safe work at marble shops. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) conducted an EU-Israel Workshop on silicosis, bringing together stakeholders with a growing concern on artificial stone, serving as a catalyst for raising awareness and further international collaboration. Today, as the popularity of artificial stone continues to grow, we are facing a worldwide spread of manufacturers and an increase in global export-import activity. This should be taking into account and handled correctly, including the exposure of families residing near these workplaces.