What is the deadly lung disease affecting UK workers?

Silicosis, an incurable lung disease triggered by exposure to fine silica dust when cutting or polishing engineered stone surfaces.

How old are the workers being diagnosed with silicosis?

The youngest patient is just 23 years old, with the average age of those in the doctor's clinic being 31.

What is Gareth Burns doing to prevent others from suffering his fate?

Gareth, along with grieving families, is calling for the UK government to ban engineered stone to stop the spread of this "new asbestos" and prevent more lives being destroyed.

Home / Health / Deadly Dust: Engineered Stone Blamed for Incurable Lung Disease Ravaging Young Workers

Deadly Dust: Engineered Stone Blamed for Incurable Lung Disease Ravaging Young Workers

18 Nov

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Summary

46-year-old Gareth Burns diagnosed with silicosis after making quartz worktops
Dozens of young men, some in their 20s, now battling same devastating disease
Calls for UK ban on engineered stone to prevent more lives being destroyed

Deadly Dust: Engineered Stone Blamed for Incurable Lung Disease Ravaging Young Workers

In November 2025, a troubling trend is emerging in the UK's construction industry. Gareth Burns, a 46-year-old former tradesman, is one of a growing number of young workers being struck down by an incurable lung disease triggered by their jobs.

Just over three years ago, Gareth was diagnosed with silicosis after starting work making trendy quartz worktops for posh kitchens. Doctors warn that the fine silica dust generated when cutting or polishing these engineered stone surfaces can destroy lungs in a matter of years, leaving victims like Gareth struggling for every breath.