I recently received an email regarding the possible dangers of working with soapstone. I receive some variation of this email several times a year. For the general knowledge of those viewing my site and may have some similar questions, I will put up the email and my answer. Sandy, Having viewed your website and some of the images of your students in your classes over the years I cant help but wonder if you have considered the possibility ramifications due to disregard for safety issues while working with soapstone. It is common knowledge that many kinds of soapstone blocks contain various quantities of silica as well as the possible containment of asbestos. With the abundance of literature regarding the dangers of soapstone dust inhalation (silicosis for example) I cant help but wonder why you dont insist that all of your students wear even the simplest dust protection. Just wondering if you have considered the possible ramifications. Regards (The email was not signed) My Answer You should consider studying the published scientific facts instead of common knowledge. I have heard these urban legends before. Where they originate I have no idea There are known health dangers to working with marble, limestone, and alabaster, but none that I have found for soapstone. In all the government reports that I have managed to obtain there have been no adverse reports in regards to the use of soapstone. According to a test conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA , their report states that soapstone contains: 6mg/m3 TWA Inhalable (total) dust containing no asbestos and 0 % crystalline silica. Odorless solid; 10% tremolite, 1% silica, crystalline. Main composition; Massive Talc; Steatite. This is much better then the analysis of the air in most major cities, which generally contains a small quantity of asbestos. This is one of the reasons why I no longer wish to live in a large city. I know of no cases of silicosis affecting the employees of the soapstone quarry in Quebec. I know of one case of one employee who died of the emphysema, but the gentleman in question smoked heavily for 70 years, right up to the time of his death. The simplest dust protection is useless when working with stone dust, the fine dust will find its way around the paper mask. For marble, limestone, and alabaster carving classes at the school, health and safety insist we provide a complete sealed respirator for these students. Could you please refer me to your source of your abundance of literature regarding the dangers of soapstone dust? Sandy Cline sandy@sandycline.com http://www.sandycline.com