Is Silicosis a Risk for People Working With Engineered Stone? 2025

Working with engineered stone poses significant risks to workers, especially when it comes to long-term exposure to harmful silica dust. Is silicosis a risk for people working with engineered stone? The process of cutting, grinding, or polishing engineered stone can release high levels of respirable crystalline silica, a known cause of silicosis.

For workers in the stone fabrication industry, understanding these risks is crucial in preventing the development of silicosis and other respiratory diseases.

Understanding Silicosis and Its Link to Engineered Stonework

Silicosis is a disease that involves progressive lung scarring and deterioration as a result of inhaling silica dust particles over an extended period of time. It is a serious health risk for individuals working in industries like engineered stone fabrication, where materials such as quartz contain high levels of silica.

Workers in jobs that involve cutting, grinding, and polishing engineered stone are particularly vulnerable to silica exposure. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to scarring of the lungs, which reduces the ability of individuals to breathe and causes long-term health complications. Silicosis can develop slowly, and it often takes years for symptoms to fully manifest.

How Engineered Stone Workers Are Exposed to Silica Dust

Engineered stone, which is often used in countertops and other surfaces, contains high concentrations of crystalline silica. During tasks like cutting, grinding, or polishing the stone, fine dust particles are released into the air, putting workers at risk of inhaling silica. These small, respirable particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing irreparable damage over time.

The risk is heightened in environments without proper dust control measures, such as ventilation systems or wet-cutting methods. Workers in these settings, especially those without personal protective equipment (PPE), are exposed to significant health hazards. Regular exposure to silica dust can lead to the development of silicosis, a chronic and irreversible lung disease.

Preventing Silicosis: Safety Measures for Engineered Stone Fabricators

Preventing silicosis among engineered stone fabricators requires comprehensive safety measures to reduce silica exposure. One of the most effective methods is wet-cutting, which helps suppress dust by binding it with water. This greatly reduces the presence of airborne particles.

Employers should ensure the use of high-quality protective equipment, such as respirators, that provide protection against silica dust. Proper ventilation systems, including dust extraction units, are also useful for maintaining safe air quality in the workplace. Regular safety training plays an important role in maintaining safe air quality in the workplace.

The Health Risks of Engineered Stone and the Importance of Protection

Engineered stone, while durable and popular for its aesthetic appeal, poses significant health risks to workers who handle it without proper precautions. The primary risk comes from prolonged exposure to respirable crystalline silica, which is commonly found in the material.

Workers in the stone fabrication industry, especially those involved in cutting, sanding, or polishing engineered stone, are at a heightened risk of developing silicosis. Over time, silica dust can cause irreversible lung damage, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to implement strict safety protocols, such as the use of PPE, wet-cutting techniques, and adequate ventilation.

FAQs

Q: Does Engineered Stone Cause Silicosis?

A: Yes, engineered stone, particularly quartz countertops, contains high levels of crystalline silica. When workers cut, grind, or polish engineered stone, they can inhale silica dust, which can lead to silicosis — a severe lung disease. Prolonged exposure without proper protective measures significantly increases the risk. Therefore, workers handling engineered stone must use safety precautions like respirators, dust extraction systems, and wet-cutting techniques.

Q: What Are the Hazards of Engineered Stone?

A: The primary hazard of engineered stone is the inhalation of crystalline silica dust, which can cause silicosis, a chronic and potentially fatal disease. Workers exposed to high levels of silica dust are at an enhanced risk for respiratory issues, lung cancer, and other serious health problems. Proper ventilation, dust control measures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators are crucial in mitigating these risks in workplaces where the engineered stone is handled.

Q: Which Workers Are Most Likely to Be Exposed to Silica Dust?

A: Workers most likely to be exposed to silica dust include those in industries like stone fabrication, construction, mining, and sandblasting. Specifically, workers who cut, grind, or polish materials like granite, quartz, marble, and engineered stone are at high risk. Silica dust is also present in tunneling, brick-making, and demolition work, where fine dust particles are generated. Proper safety measures are essential to protect these workers.

Q: How Can Silicosis Be Prevented in the Workplace?

A: Silicosis can be prevented by taking proper safety precautions in the workplace, especially in industries where workers are exposed to silica dust, such as stone fabrication, construction, and mining.

Effective prevention methods include using dust control systems like wet-cutting techniques, providing personal protective equipment such as respirators, and ensuring proper ventilation in work areas. Employers should also offer regular training and health screenings to help workers monitor potential symptoms of silicosis and reduce the risk of long-term exposure.

Q: Do Construction Workers Get Silicosis?

A: Yes, construction workers are at risk of developing silicosis due to prolonged exposure to silica dust from activities like cutting or grinding stone, concrete, and masonry. Workers in demolition, roadwork, tunneling, and stone fabrication are particularly vulnerable. Silicosis is a preventable disease, but without proper protective equipment (PPE) and dust control measures, workers are at risk for severe lung damage and long-term health complications.

Schedule Your Silicosis Consultation Today

If you or a loved one works in an industry where exposure to silica dust is frequent, it’s important to understand the risks of silicosis and the numerous requirements for filing a claim. Silicosis is a serious, long-term disease that affects lung function and can worsen over time.

Act quickly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. The legal team at Wallace & Graham is here to guide you through the process by providing insight and strategic legal counsel. We have helped many past clients receive the compensation they were owed following a silicosis diagnosis. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward addressing your case.