Yale Literature Review: Medical Studies- Second Installment
The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA), in collaboration with the Natural Stone Institute (NSI), is proud to announce the release of Yale Literature Review: Medical Studies, the second installment in a two-part study on silica exposure and health risks within the surface fabrication industry. This latest report offers a deep analysis of peer-reviewed medical research that examines the impacts of respirable crystalline silica, equipping fabricators with actionable insights to improve workplace health and safety.
In 2024, ISFA and NSI released the first part of these reviews focused on exposure studies, which documented real-world data on silica dust levels found in fabrication environments. The newly released medical literature review complements those findings by connecting exposure trends with clinical health outcomes—delivering critical information to guide risk mitigation and long-term workforce protection strategies.
“This comprehensive review provides fabricators and stakeholders with an evidence-based understanding of the health consequences tied to silica exposure,” said Marissa Bankert, ISFA CEO. “ISFA remains committed to arming our members with fact-based tools and knowledge that directly enhance safety in their shops.”
In addition to this important publication, ISFA is also recognizing a significant training milestone: over 1,100 industry employees enrolled in their online silica safety course. These trainings and the continued dedication to research reflect a commitment to the surfacing industry to uphold rigorous safety standards and invest in proactive health education.
“This milestone represents a powerful collective effort among fabricators to protect their teams and their businesses,” Bankert added. “By supporting accessible, high-impact training and research, ISFA is helping raise the bar for health and safety industry-wide.”
This initiative is part of ISFA’s broader dedication to workplace wellness and continuous education. By combining cutting-edge research, practical tools, and professional training, ISFA continues to play a leading role in advancing safety excellence throughout the decorative and architectural surfacing sectors.
To read the full Yale Literature Review: Medical Studies and explore additional silica safety resources, visit https://www.isfanow.org/silica-RESOURCES.
About the International Surface Fabricators Association
The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) is a globally respected trade organization serving the architectural surface industry. ISFA supports fabricators and related professionals in enhancing product quality, increasing safety, improving profitability, and promoting ethics and camaraderie through robust education and standards programs. At its core, ISFA values innovation, trust, dependability, and service. Learn more at www.isfanow.org.
About the Natural Stone Institute
The Natural Stone Institute is a trade association representing every aspect of the natural stone industry. The current membership exceeds 2,000 members in over 50 nations. The association offers a wide array of technical and training resources, professional development opportunities, regulatory advocacy, and networking events. Two prominent publications—the Dimension Stone Design Manual and Building Stone Magazine—raise awareness within the natural stone industry and in the design community for best practices and uses of natural stone. Learn more at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org.