Stonemason’s Warning: The Dangers of Working with Engineered Stone
A stonemason has issued a grave warning about the hazards of his profession after he was diagnosed with a life-threatening lung disease linked to cutting kitchen countertops. Ryan Fenton, 48, from Ipswich, Suffolk, made the difficult decision to leave his job to protect his health after being diagnosed with silicosis, a condition caused by inhaling harmful silica dust while working with quartz-engineered stone.
Fenton, a father of two, recounted how his clothes, face, hair, and hands were often covered in silica dust after cutting slabs of quartz—a material increasingly favored for kitchen renovations. In February 2023, The i Paper reported the first UK cases of silicosis associated with engineered stone, and the number of diagnosed cases has steadily increased since then.
According to a paper published last August by doctors at the Royal Brompton Hospital, the average age of the initial eight victims was just 34 years old, most of whom were migrant workers employed by small firms that neglected safety protocols. Currently, the number of silicosis cases in the UK has surged to 28, with two fatalities, and the youngest diagnosed worker being only 24 years old.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has joined the call for the UK government to follow Australia’s lead in banning engineered stone, where hundreds of young stonemasons have been diagnosed with this incurable disease. Mr. Fenton highlighted his experience using an angle grinder to cut slabs for sinks and hobs, noting that the dust extraction tools available were largely ineffective.
“It is extremely disappointing that I was permitted to work in such hazardous conditions with a product known to pose serious health risks,” he expressed. “I consider myself fortunate to have been diagnosed early, allowing me a better chance to avoid the potential development of a more severe condition. However, I am deeply concerned for others who are still exposed to similar risks.” He emphasized the urgency of sharing his story to prompt action against the dangerous working conditions associated with engineered stone.
In October 2023, Marek Marzec, a 48-year-old Polish stonemason, tragically passed away from silicosis just weeks after speaking to The i Paper from his hospital bed at Whittington Hospital in London. In a related case, the senior coroner for west London issued a rare Prevention of Future Death report concerning the death of Wessam al Jundi, a 28-year-old kitchen countertop worker who died in May. The coroner, Lydia Brown, urged government departments and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to provide a “timetable for action” to address this escalating issue.
Malik Al-Khalil, a 31-year-old Syrian refugee and former stonemason, also conveyed his dismay from the Royal Brompton Hospital, where doctors have warned him of his precarious health situation. The research published last August by medical professionals urged the government to consider a ban on engineered stone—a man-made material that has proven lethal for workers.
Silicosis from engineered stone is notably different from that caused by other industries, such as mining; it is characterized by a shorter exposure duration, rapid disease progression, and significantly higher mortality rates. Outbreaks of silicosis among young workers have been reported globally, with Australia becoming the first country to impose a ban on engineered stone due to the alarming number of cases.
In California, the situation is similarly concerning, with 253 cases reported since 2019 and 15 worker fatalities, the average age of those affected being 46. Mr. Fenton worked at a stonemasonry firm from 2016 to 2024. Although he adhered to safety guidelines and wore masks, he still inhaled respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust, leading to his diagnosis.
In December 2022, after experiencing a mini-stroke, medical tests revealed serious lung issues, ultimately resulting in his diagnosis of silicosis related to engineered stone. Following medical advice to cease working with the hazardous material to slow the disease’s progression, he transitioned to a role in adult social care, which has significantly reduced his salary by approximately £8,000 annually. He lamented the necessity of leaving a well-paid job he enjoyed just to protect his health.
“It is incredibly disheartening to think that my profession, which I once loved, has led me to this point,” Mr. Fenton stated. “I hope to prevent others from facing the turmoil of having to abandon their jobs and the uncertainty of what the future holds.” Currently, he is pursuing legal action against one of his former employers, represented by the law firm Leigh Day. Lawyer Ewan Tant expressed his concern over the conditions that compelled Mr. Fenton to leave a job he once cherished.
“It is truly alarming that my client has had to make such a difficult choice due to the conditions he faced while working with engineered stone,” Tant stated. “No individual should have to endure such hardships simply for trying to earn a living.” He concluded by emphasizing the urgent need for action to mitigate the dangers of working with engineered stone without adequate protective measures, lest more individuals find themselves in Mr. Fenton’s unfortunate situation.
