Paul Gray, from Shipley, Bradford, developed the long-term lung condition branded the "new asbestos" after inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust which can be released from stone when damaged.

Joanne Gray, 57, mourned the loss of her husband Paul in 2021 at the same age, following his four-year struggle with the lung disease he contracted from extensive exposure to the dust during his stonemasonry career.

Joanne disclosed that her late husband was in robust health until he began experiencing breathing difficulties in October 2017, receiving his official diagnosis just a month later.

Now, Joanne is advocating for enhanced measures to safeguard workers from the detrimental dust.

She expressed: "Paul's loss has been simply devastating, both for me and our son Daniel.

"We had to watch Paul slowly decline for nearly four years and you feel so helpless.

"Daniel and I did what we could caring for Paul but the illness had a terrible mental and physical effect on a once strong and independent man.

"Even now approaching three years on, it's so hard to accept Paul isn't coming back - we still had so many plans for our future that have been taken away from us.

"Silicosis is the most terrible disease - nobody deserves to go through what Paul did as a result of their job.

"Hopefully by telling Paul's story we can add our voice to those calling for greater awareness of this disease and safety at work."

Paul Gray, a resident of Shipley, Bradford, succumbed to silicosis, a debilitating lung condition often referred to as the "new asbestos", after years of exposure to crystalline silica dust. This hazardous substance is released when stone is damaged, and Paul inhaled large quantities throughout his career as a stone dresser.

From 1997 to 2017, Paul worked with quarried stone to produce paving slabs, specialising in reclaimed stone and utilising power tools like saws and hand tools such as chisels. His prolonged exposure to silica dust ultimately led to his diagnosis with silicosis.

As Paul's condition worsened, he experienced recurring chest infections and eventually developed pneumonia in 2021. His health continued to deteriorate, and he was admitted to the Marie Curie hospice in Bradford on September 6, 2021.

Surrounded by his loved ones, Paul passed away just five days later.

Following his diagnosis, Paul sought the expertise of specialist occupational disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to determine how he came into contact with the silica dust that caused his illness. Oliver Collett, a specialist occupational disease lawyer who supported Paul's family, highlighted the severity of silicosis, stating, "Silicosis is an extremely debilitating disease and once developed, it's incurable, as the damage caused to the lungs is irreversible."

Collett further explained that symptoms of silicosis include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue, and in severe cases, the condition can be fatal. Moreover, silicosis increases the risk of developing serious and life-threatening conditions, such as tuberculosis, auto-immune conditions, and lung cancer.

"We're seeing more cases involving workers diagnosed with silicosis, which is why we created a Silica Exposure Register, so workers can store and retrieve their work history for future use.

"Silica is often termed as the new asbestos and its threat should never be underestimated, therefore it's vital that people are aware of the dangers of silica and employers ensure the safety of their workforce."

After pinpointing that Paul's exposure to silica most likely occurred while he worked at stone production firms in Bradford and Leeds, legal professionals from Irwin Mitchell secured settlements for his family.

Additionally, they recovered the care costs for the Marie Curie Hospice, where Paul spent his last few weeks.

Before his passing, Paul relayed to his lawyers that he was not provided with overalls made of low dust retention material, which could have shielded him from silica exposure.

He recounted that the workplaces didn't offer changing or cleaning facilities, nor measures for removing contaminated clothing.

Furthermore, he claimed he was never given any form of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) throughout his working life.

Speaking on the outcome, Joanne said: "The settlement would have meant a lot to Paul but it can't bring back a wonderful husband and an amazing father.

"If this causes just one employer to think more about safety, Paul's death won't have been totally in vain."