The eight-hour exposure level to silica dust in America is being cut to half the UK limit from September, which could be a sign of what is on its way in the UK.

The exposure limit for workers in the USA is being cut to 0.05mg of respirable crystalline silica per cubic metre of air.

The move comes as engineered quartz manufacturers (in particular) take precautions to try to protect themselves against class actions by employees and former employees who are suffering from silicosis. Quartz has a higher proportion of silica (over 90%) than most stone.