A doctor has issued a stark warning about a deadly disease which may be linked to the material used in some kitchen worktops.
Earlier this week people were shocked to learn about the story of 48-year-old stoneworker and father-of-three Marek Marzec, who had been given just 'weeks to live' after developing a lung disease from inhaling certain types of dust while at work.
Marzec isn't the only person to fall ill from this disease either, with an expert now warning this could be the start of 'new asbestos' situation.
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What is silicosis?
According to the NHS, silicosis is typically a long-term disease which develops after a person inhales crystalline silica dust over an extended period of time.
The dust is typically found in certain types of stone, rock, sand, and clay and becomes airborne when the material is being worked on. This is possibly why stoneworkers, such as Marzec, and others who work in construction related industries may be particularly vulnerable to the condition.
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Symptoms of silicosis can include shortness of breath, a persistent cough and tiredness.
As the condition progresses, a patient will struggle to do day-to-day activities without feeling out of breath. They may also become more susceptible to other life-threatening conditions such as pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and even lung cancer.
Some patients can also develop acute silicosis, which occurs when someone inhales high amounts of the dust over a short period of time.
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Although silicosis is not a new disease, the condition is becoming a rising health concern - leading to the Australian government to ban the the use, supply, and production of engineered stone earlier this year.
One of the people who is concerned about a potential rise in silicosis cases is Andrew Cooper, a solicitor at Leigh Day who is currently representing UK-based patients with the condition.
Speaking in an interview with The Sun, the solicitor believes we will see a 'significant increase' in cases over the next few years.
"Some of these men have severe respiratory disabilities and need round-the-clock oxygen therapy," he added.
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Leigh Day is currently calling for increased safety measures in workshops which handle engineered stone, as well as a greater recognition for silicosis in order for potential patients to receive the care they need sooner.
The concerns raised by Leigh Day were also echoed by Dr Johanna Feary, consultant at Royal Brompton Hospital, who warned that there has been a steady 'increase' in cases over the past year.
"You can have the disease without having any symptoms," she explained.
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"We expect that there will be many more cases coming forward in the future."
Brenna Cooper