Raising Public Awareness About the Dangers of Engineered Stone Silicosis (2025)

Raising public awareness about the dangers of engineered stone silicosis is critical to protecting workers’ health and promoting safer workplace practices. Silica dust, released during the fabrication and installation of engineered stone, poses significant risks and can lead to silicosis — a severe and irreversible lung disease.

By educating industries, workers, and the public about prevention methods, such as wet-cutting and proper ventilation, we can reduce exposure and prevent long-term health consequences.

Alarming Death Toll Among Engineered Stone Workers in California

A recent study by researchers at UCSF and UCLA revealed the devastating human cost of silicosis among engineered stone workers in California. Between 2019 and 2022, 52 workers were diagnosed with silicosis, with an alarming 10 fatalities. These workers, predominantly Latino immigrants, were exposed to silica dust while fabricating countertops from engineered quartz, a material containing dangerously high concentrations of crystalline silica.

The study found the median age of diagnosis to be 45, with workers having an average of 15 years in the industry. Tragically, many affected individuals, like 27-year-old Leobardo Segura-Meza, face life-threatening complications, often requiring lung transplants.

Segura-Meza remains on oxygen support, anxiously awaiting a transplant while mourning coworkers who died waiting. Researchers are urging immediate policy action to protect vulnerable workers from further exposure and prevent the continued rise of silicosis cases in this industry.

The Shocking Truth About Silicosis

Statistics reveal the alarming prevalence and impact of silicosis, underscoring the need for greater public awareness. According to the American Lung Association, approximately 2.3 million U.S. workers are exposed to silica dust, with over 2 million of those working in construction and 300,000 in other industries. Exposure to engineered stone significantly heightens risks, especially for countertop fabricators and construction professionals.

OSHA’s data highlights the effectiveness of silica regulations, estimating that adherence saves over 600 lives annually and prevents more than 900 new cases of silicosis each year. Despite these efforts, silicosis remains a leading occupational disease, with Progressive Massive Fibrosis (PMF) posing severe complications for affected workers. PMF leads to extreme lung scarring, further reducing lung capacity and quality of life.

Beyond respiratory damage, silica exposure has broader health implications. Workers exposed to crystalline silica face a heightened risk of lung cancer, as the substance is classified as a known carcinogen. Chronic bronchitis and kidney disease are additional complications linked to prolonged exposure, adding to the long-term burdens faced by those affected.

Raising public awareness also involves addressing at-risk occupations. Jobs such as stone countertop fabrication, mining, sandblasting, and ceramics manufacturing contribute significantly to exposure rates. Advocacy efforts and public health campaigns must focus on educating workers and employers about preventive measures, including wet-cutting techniques, advanced ventilation systems, and proper use of PPE.

Efforts to promote awareness and enforce workplace safety measures are critical to reducing the prevalence of silicosis and protecting at-risk populations. Greater understanding of the disease’s impact can lead to more proactive actions, ensuring a safer environment for millions of workers across the United States.

Potential Life-Saving Steps to Prevent Silicosis

Preventing silicosis requires strict safety measures, such as wet-cutting engineered stone, using silica-rated respirators, and ensuring proper ventilation in the workplace. Employers should conduct regular air monitoring, provide comprehensive worker training, and implement dust suppression systems. By adhering to OSHA standards and raising awareness, workers can significantly reduce their risk of silica dust exposure.

FAQs

Q: Does Engineered Stone Cause Silicosis?

A: Yes, engineered stone can cause silicosis due to its high crystalline silica content. When cutting, grinding, or polishing engineered stone, dangerous silica dust is released into the air. Workers exposed to this dust without proper protective measures face a significant risk of developing silicosis, a serious and irreversible lung disease. Proper ventilation, wet-cutting techniques, and respiratory protection are critical to minimizing these health risks.

Q: How Can You Protect Yourself from Silicosis?

A: Protecting yourself from silicosis involves using safety measures such as wet-cutting techniques, wearing silica-rated respirators, and working in well-ventilated environments. Employers should provide training on silica hazards, conduct regular air monitoring, and ensure dust suppression systems are in place.

Adhering to OSHA safety standards and using appropriate protective equipment reduces exposure and prevents silica-related illnesses.

Q: What Are the Symptoms of Silicosis from Engineered Stone Exposure?

A: Symptoms of silicosis from engineered stone exposure often include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. These symptoms may develop gradually over time, making early detection difficult.

As the disease progresses, severe respiratory distress and reduced lung capacity can occur. Workers experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention to diagnose and manage potential silica-related illnesses before further complications arise.

Q: What Are the Health Concerns of Engineered Stone?

A: Engineered stone poses significant health concerns due to its high crystalline silica content. Workers fabricating or installing engineered stone products are at risk of inhaling silica dust, which can lead to silicosis. Additionally, insufficient workplace safety measures, such as inadequate ventilation or lack of protective equipment, exacerbate these risks. Raising awareness and enforcing silica safety protocols are critical for protecting workers in this industry.

Q: Is Engineered Stone Banned in the U.S.?

A: No, engineered stone is not banned in the U.S. However, concerns over silica exposure have prompted stricter workplace safety regulations. OSHA enforces rules to limit silica dust exposure and requires employers to implement protective measures like wet-cutting and air filtration. While engineered stone remains widely used, adhering to these regulations mitigates health risks associated with its fabrication and installation.

Schedule Your Silicosis Consultation Today

A silicosis diagnosis can have life-altering consequences, impacting your health, finances, and overall quality of life. This debilitating disease often results from prolonged exposure to silica dust in unsafe workplace environments. If you’ve been diagnosed, seeking legal representation is essential to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and the lasting effects of silicosis.

At Wallace & Graham, P.A., we are committed to supporting individuals and families affected by silicosis. With years of experience in toxic exposure cases, our team provides compassionate, results-driven legal representation. Schedule your consultation today to learn how we can assist you in seeking justice and holding negligent parties accountable.