Silicosis – Britain’s oldest known occupational disease – is still taking lives. A new parliamentary report warns that workers in their twenties are being diagnosed with aggressive, fast-developing forms of this entirely preventable condition. 

Led by Thompsons Solicitors and the TUC, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Occupational Safety and Health calls the situation a “silent, ongoing tragedy” and urges immediate action to prevent further deaths. 

 

Young workers facing lung transplants 

The report raises urgent concern about high-silica engineered stone – commonly used for kitchen worktops – and its link to accelerated silicosis. Stonemasons as young as 23 are now requiring lung transplants. 

Dr Johanna Feary, a leading occupational lung specialist, told the APPG that confirmed UK cases have jumped from 8 to 45 in just over a year – and more are expected. 

 

“We’ve known how to prevent this for centuries” 

In a powerful foreword, APPG Chair Ian Lavery MP describes silicosis as a “devastating and deadly disease” that continues unchecked because of enforcement failures. He calls for government, industry and regulators to “prioritise human life over production” and warns the UK is at risk of repeating the mistakes of the asbestos crisis. APPG Chair Ian Lavery MP said: 

“The harrowing accounts of young workers diagnosed with a progressive, potentially fatal disease underscore an urgent need for systemic change. 

No more lives should be cut short by a dust we’ve known how to control for centuries.” 

 

Report demands urgent government action 

The APPG has set out a clear plan to protect workers and prevent further cases: 

  • Ban high-silica engineered stone 
  • Lower workplace exposure limits in line with international standards 
  • Reinstate silicosis under RIDDOR and create a national register 
  • Strengthen the HSE’s enforcement powers 
  • Improve access to health surveillance, including CT scans 
  • Deliver multilingual safety training for at-risk workers 

 

“No excuse for inaction” 

Daniel Poet, Partner at Thompsons Solicitors, said: 

“This is a disease that can take years to show itself. In many of our cases, clients were only exposed to silica dust for a few years – yet the damage is already severe. We’re deeply concerned about the long-term impact on their health, work, and family life. 

Silicosis is entirely preventable – there is no excuse for inaction.” 

 

Standing with workers, demanding change 

Thompsons will continue to support workers and families affected by silicosis and other dust-related diseases. We’ll keep fighting for justice, stronger protections, and accountability from those responsible. 

Read the full report from the APPG on Silicosis