Workers suffering from a lethal lung disease as they handle crushed quartz countertops express their deep regret, stating it's a fate they wouldn't wish upon their sworn adversaries.

Workers suffering from a lethal lung disease as they handle crushed quartz countertops express their deep regret, stating it's a fate they wouldn't wish upon their sworn adversaries.

In the heart of California, Denny Williams, a worker from the Golden State, recently underwent a double lung transplant due to complications from exposure to silica dust while working with engineered stone. Williams, who never anticipated these health issues when he began working with engineered stone, shared his concern that no one told him he needed protection from the dust.

The Silica Safety Coalition claims that exposure to silica dust is preventable with compliance with OSHA regulations. However, a study led by Dr. Fazio found that nearly a fifth of workers who got silicosis on the job in California died, highlighting the need for more stringent measures.

Silicosis is a preventable disease, but it continues to endanger workers and place a heavy emotional and financial burden on their families. This is particularly true for immigrant Latino workers who dominate the engineered stone countertop industry. Gustavo Reyes-Gonzalez, a 34-year-old worker, had a lung transplant but still faces a shortened life due to silicosis.

The unique toxicity of engineered stone dust, which contains over 90% crystalline silica, significantly higher than natural stone, and produces very fine, nano-sized particles, poses serious health risks. Studies have shown that even with wet cutting and ventilation, silica dust levels often exceed recommended exposure limits.

To combat this, U.S. regulations increasingly require proactive exposure monitoring, detailed control plans, comprehensive worker training, and certification of shops to prevent silica dust exposure in engineered stone fabrication. Employers are required to conduct exposure assessments for each employee potentially exposed to respirable crystalline silica. They must develop and implement a written plan that identifies tasks involving silica dust exposure, outlines procedures to minimize exposure, and establishes hygiene and housekeeping practices.

Starting July 1, 2026, a training curriculum overseen by the Department of Industrial Relations will be required, focusing on safe fabrication practices with engineered stone. By July 1, 2027, workers and shop owners must have completed this training before engaging in fabrication activities or employment.

Despite these regulations, some experts argue that current protective measures may not be sufficient to prevent disease, given the high silica content and nanoparticle generation from engineered stone dust. Some advocate for stricter measures, including potential bans or limits on silica content in materials, similar to actions taken in places like Australia.

The rise in cases of silicosis among workers has led to lawsuits against the manufacturers of engineered stone countertops. James Nevin, the workers' attorney, claims the manufacturers knew about the health risks associated with silica dust but failed to warn or protect their employees. The manufacturers have declined to comment on the lawsuits.

California has implemented temporary emergency regulations to safeguard workers, and some manufacturers are now offering products with lower silica content. The Engineered Stone Manufacturers' Association believes licensing programs and enhanced regulatory oversight are necessary to protect workers.

As the demand for engineered stone countertops continues to grow, it is crucial to ensure the safety of workers in the industry. The ongoing challenges and advocacy efforts aim to protect workers from the harmful effects of silica dust exposure and create a safer working environment.

References: [1] California Department of Public Health. (2021). Respirable Crystalline Silica in Engineered Stone Products. Retrieved from https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DPHP/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Respirable-Crystalline-Silica-in-Engineered-Stone-Products.pdf [2] National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2019). Crystalline Silica. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/silica/ [3] American Lung Association. (2021). Silicosis. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/silicosis [4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2021). Respirable Crystalline Silica. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/silica [5] Australian Government. (2018). Engineered Stone Products and Silicosis. Retrieved from https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/engineered-stone-products-and-silicosis

1. The health and wellness of workers in the engineered stone industry are at risk due to exposure to silica dust, a preventable disease.
2. Compliance with OSHA regulations can help prevent silica dust exposure, but more stringent measures are needed.
3. Silicosis has led to the death of many workers, particularly immigrant Latino workers who dominate the engineered stone countertop industry.
4. The unique toxicity of engineered stone dust, containing over 90% crystalline silica, poses serious health risks.
5. Even with wet cutting and ventilation, silica dust levels often exceed recommended exposure limits.
6. To prevent silica dust exposure, regulations require proactive exposure monitoring, detailed control plans, comprehensive worker training, and certification of shops.
7. Employers are required to conduct exposure assessments for each employee potentially exposed to respirable crystalline silica.
8. A written plan is needed that identifies tasks involving silica dust exposure, outlines procedures to minimize exposure, and establishes hygiene and housekeeping practices.
9. From July 1, 2026, a training curriculum will be required, focusing on safe fabrication practices with engineered stone.
10. By July 1, 2027, workers and shop owners must have completed this training before engaging in fabrication activities or employment.
11. Experts argue that current protective measures may not be sufficient to prevent disease, given the high silica content and nanoparticle generation from engineered stone dust.
12. Some advocate for stricter measures, including potential bans or limits on silica content in materials.
13. Lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of engineered stone countertops, claiming they knew about the health risks but failed to warn or protect their employees.
14. California has implemented temporary emergency regulations to safeguard workers, and some manufacturers are now offering products with lower silica content.
15. The Engineered Stone Manufacturers' Association believes licensing programs and enhanced regulatory oversight are necessary to protect workers.
16. The demand for engineered stone countertops continues to grow, making it crucial to ensure the safety of workers in the industry.
17. Ongoing challenges and advocacy efforts aim to protect workers from the harmful effects of silica dust exposure and create a safer working environment.
18. The California Department of Public Health has published a document on Respirable Crystalline Silica in Engineered Stone Products.
19. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health provides information on Crystalline Silica.
20. The American Lung Association has a page on Silicosis.
21. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides information on Respirable Crystalline Silica.
22. The Australian Government has a document on Engineered Stone Products and Silicosis.
23. The rise in cases of silicosis among workers has led to lawsuits against the manufacturers of engineered stone countertops.
24. With increased awareness, there is a need for nutrition and fitness and exercise practices that improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as silicosis.
25. Therapies and treatments are available for managing and treating chronic kidney diseases, respiratory conditions, and eye health issues that may result from long-term exposure to silica dust.
26. The manufacturing industry, including those producing engineered stone, should prioritize workplace-wellness programs to promote health and prevent chronic diseases.
27. Home-and-garden projects, such as interior design, cooking, and baking, should follow safety guidelines and practices to minimize exposure to harmful substances like silica dust.
28. Diversity-and-inclusion efforts should extend to the engineered stone industry to ensure that workers from all backgrounds have access to necessary resources and protections.
29. Lifestyle choices, such as outdoor-living, food-and-drink, dining, travel, and personal finance, should be made with consideration for overall health and well-being, including the impact on chronic diseases like silicosis.

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