Health · Medical Research · 9 hrs ago
Stonemason urges construction workers to protect themselves from silica dust
UK stonemason Athol Hill says silica dust exposure at work is linked to three serious illnesses: silicosis, lung cancer and scleroderma.
He began cutting stone as an apprentice at 16, when he says sites had few safety measures.
Silica dust is released when materials such as stone, concrete and brick are cut, and can cause lasting damage when inhaled.
Hill’s lung cancer spread to his pancreas, and doctors removed half of his left lung.
The Health and Safety Executive estimates silica exposure is linked to about 700 deaths a year in Britain, while experts are concerned about workers cutting engineered-stone worktops with high silica content.
Hill is urging younger workers to press employers for protective equipment so they can work more safely.
Stonemason Athol Hill is urging construction workers to seek protective equipment against silica dust.
Hill, 56, has silicosis, lung cancer that spread to his pancreas, and scleroderma, which the article links to silica exposure at work.
He began work as an apprentice stonemason at 16 and said sites initially had no safety measures beyond an occasional paper mask.
Hill was diagnosed with scleroderma in 2000 and early-stage silicosis in both lungs in 2010.
The UK Health and Safety Executive estimates occupational silica exposure is linked to around 700 deaths a year.
- Who
- Athol Hill, a stonemason, is warning construction workers.
- What
- He urges younger workers to demand protective equipment against silica dust.
- When
- Hill is 56; he began working in construction at 16. The article was published on 8 November 2026.
- Where
- Construction sites in the UK.
- Why
- He says silica exposure at work is linked to his serious illnesses and wants younger workers to protect their health.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Hill began work as an apprentice stonemason and said he was cutting stone from the start.
Hill said he first heard about silica dust after learning of older colleagues' illnesses.
Hill was diagnosed with scleroderma after noticing his fingers had become hard and difficult to move.
Hill said pain from scleroderma had kept him from getting a full night's sleep for more than a year; the condition eventually led to amputation of his right index finger.
A scan led doctors to diagnose early-stage silicosis in both of Hill's lungs.
- Age
- Hill is 56
- Conditions
- Silicosis, lung cancer, and scleroderma
- Diagnosis
- Scleroderma in 2000
- Diagnosis
- Early-stage silicosis in both lungs in 2010
- Estimated deaths
- Around 700 a year linked to occupational silica exposure, according to the HSE
What people are saying
It's too late for me. But I'm telling the younger guys that they need to pester their employers for the best equipment that's out there, so they can work safely and enjoy a long and healthy career.
When you've been in this job long enough, there will be silica exposure.
I know a few guys who have died due to (complications from) inhaling silica dust and I just want that to stop.