Silicosis Verdicts Shine a Spotlight on Artificial Stone Risks
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A recent warning from Washington State health and labor officials highlights growing concerns about the dangers that artificial stone fabrication poses to workers. The alert comes amid increasing reports of workers developing silicosis and other serious respiratory diseases after being exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust generated during the fabricating, cutting, grinding, and polishing of artificial stone countertops.
In an article published by Occupational Health & Safety Online, author Jesse Jacobs reports that the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries issued a hazard alert urging employers and workers in the countertop fabrication industry to take immediate steps to reduce silica dust exposure and prevent potentially fatal occupational lung diseases.
As Jacobs explains, Washington officials are warning that exposure to artificial stone dust can lead to rapid lung scarring and silicosis, an incurable disease that can continue to progress even after exposure ends.
Why Artificial Stone Creates Significant Exposure Risks
Artificial stone, sometimes also referred to as engineered stone or manufactured stone, contains extremely high concentrations of crystalline silica. Artificial stone is composed of at least 90% respirable crystalline silica, while the remaining materials may include dyes, glues, and other highly toxic substances that present additional health concerns.
When artificial stone is cut, drilled, polished, ground, or fabricated, nano-sized crystalline silica particles become airborne. These particles are small enough to bypass the body's natural respiratory defenses and they become deeply embedded in lung tissue.
According to the Washington State hazard alert cited by Jacobs, inhaling respirable crystalline silica can cause:
- Silicosis
- Progressive lung scarring
- Reduced lung function
- Chronic respiratory illness
- Permanent breathing impairment
- Increased risk of severe occupational lung disease
Silicosis has no cure, making prevention and early detection vitally important.
Washington State Recommends Alternative Materials and Dust Controls
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries advises that the most effective way to prevent silica exposure is to replace artificial stone with materials containing lower amounts of silica whenever possible.
According to the hazard alert, recommended alternatives may include:
- Porcelain
- Wood
- Cement-based materials
- Certain natural stone products
For businesses that continue to work with artificial stone, Washington officials recommend implementing comprehensive exposure-control measures.
Engineering Controls
The hazard alert recommends:
- Wet-cutting methods
- Wet-polishing techniques
- Local exhaust ventilation systems
- Continuous negative-pressure enclosures
- Dust collection systems designed to capture silica particles at the source
These controls can significantly reduce the amount of airborne silica generated during fabrication activities. However, over 100 peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that the fabrication of crystalline silica artificial stone slabs cannot be done safely by human beings.
Administrative Controls
Washington officials also recommend:
- Worker training regarding silica hazards
- Warning signs in fabrication areas
- Exposure monitoring
- Comprehensive housekeeping procedures
- Daily cleaning practices that avoid dry sweeping and compressed-air cleaning
According to the article, state officials emphasized that workers exposed to artificial stone dust can develop disease more rapidly than workers exposed to silica in many traditional industries.
Respiratory Protection May Require Higher Levels of Protection
The Washington State alert notes that conventional respirators may not provide adequate protection in high-exposure fabrication environments.
As reported by Jacobs:
"Personal protective equipment recommendations for artificial stone fabrication call for tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators or continuous-flow air-line systems offering an assigned protection factor of 1,000."
Washington officials further noted that standard N95 masks and other commonly used respirators may offer only limited protection in settings where large amounts of silica dust are generated.
The agency recommends respiratory protection that includes:
- Tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators
- Continuous-flow airline respirators
- High-efficiency particulate filtration cartridges
- Disposable protective coveralls
Medical Surveillance and Workers' Compensation Benefits
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries also reminds employers that medical surveillance must be provided at no cost to workers whose silica exposure exceeds established action levels.
According to the article, workers with current or past exposure to artificial stone dust may be able to file workers' compensation claims to obtain medical evaluations without out-of-pocket costs or personal insurance deductibles.
Workers should be aware of symptoms that may indicate silica-related disease, including:
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty performing routine physical activities
Individuals experiencing these symptoms should discuss their work history and silica exposure with a qualified healthcare provider.
Increasing Concern Over Artificial Stone-Related Silicosis
Reports of accelerated silicosis among countertop fabrication workers have been increasing across the United States and around the world. Occupational health specialists continue to identify cases involving workers who spent years fabricating and installing artificial stone products before developing severe lung disease.
The warning issued by Washington State officials reflects a broader recognition within the occupational health community that uniquely toxic artificial stone dust presents significant health risks.
Awareness Is Critical for Workers and Families
Workers who have fabricated, cut, polished, installed, or otherwise worked with artificial stone products should understand the potential health risks associated with silica exposure. Because silicosis can develop gradually and may not become apparent until significant lung damage has occurred, awareness and timely medical evaluation are important.
Individuals concerned about occupational silica exposure should consult a healthcare provider familiar with occupational lung diseases.
For additional information, you can read the original article by Jesse Jacobs:
Read the full Occupational Health & Safety Online article
Contact Brayton Purcell LLP
For decades, Brayton Purcell LLP has represented workers and families affected by occupational diseases, including artificial stone silicosis and other serious lung conditions caused by workplace exposure to hazardous substances.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with silicosis after working with artificial stone, the accomplished attorneys at Brayton Purcell LLP can review your circumstances and discuss potential legal options.