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.


Staying Ahead of the Curve: Practicing Financial Discipline Before a Downturn Hits
June 2025

In the masonry business, when the phones are ringing off the hook and jobs are lined up back-to-back, it's easy to get lulled into a sense of security. But seasoned contractors know that the good times don’t last forever. Markets tighten, projects stall,

Chad Hirschi
Featured
Read More
Achieving Precision: How Top Masonry Crews Deliver Consistent Openings
June 2025

Let’s be honest—if you’ve spent any time in the field as a mason, you’ve probably had at least one “memorable” encounter with a wood buck that didn’t quite go as planned. Picture this: It’s a hot Tuesday afternoon, you’re racing weather, and someone—no o

Shayne Sanders
Featured MAP Partner
Read More
Commercial vs. Residential Projects: Which Is Right For You
June 2025

As masonry contractors, we all face plenty of challenges - from the cost of maintaining safety standards to dealing with workforce issues. But one question has stayed constant throughout my 30+ years in the industry: Which is better - commercial or reside

Anton Shadrock
Featured
Read More
Only a Few Rooms Left at the Waterfront Collection: Register for Midyear Now!
June 2025

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY MIDYEAR If you’re thinking about attending the MCAA’s 2025 Midyear Meeting on Mackinac Island, now is the time to act. Due to the demand, our original room block at the host hotel, The Grand,

Justin Stengel
Featured
Read More