Silicosis - a health advisory for engineered stone fabrication workers

Silicosis - a health advisory for engineered stone fabrication workers

Silicosis in Engineered Stone Fabrication Workers


Fabrication Workers are at high risk of getting Silicosis- a deadly disease contracted from working in stone countertop fabrication. Silicosis is a serious lung condition caused by inhaling tiny crystalline particles of silicon dioxide, commonly known as silica. Silicosis results from prolonged exposure to silica dust. If you work in industries like mining, construction, or stone cutting, you’re at risk. When you breathe in silica particles, they settle deep within your respiratory passages and cause damage to your lungs.

Silica, silicosis, and other health effects: Crystalline silica is found in many materials. Sand, stone, concrete, mortar and artificial stone contain silica. Silica dust particles small enough to breathe in are created when workers cut, saw, grind, drill or crush these materials. Abrasive blasting with sand is another source of silica dust. When very small particles of silica dust get in the air, they can be breathed into the lungs and cause silicosis. Silicosis is an incurable lung disease that can lead to disability and death. Silica dust can also cause lung cancer, kidney disease and autoimmune disease.
Symptoms of silicosis include:
  • Persistent coughing
  • Inflammation (swelling)
  • Fibrosis (scarring)
Over time, this scarring stiffens your lung tissue, making it difficult to breathe and severely damaging your immune and respiratory systems. While there is no cure for silicosis, management and treatment can help alleviate symptoms.


Who is at Risk?


Silicosis is closely tied to occupational exposure. You may be at higher risk if your job involves:
  • Construction, demolition, or stone work
  • Sandblasting
  • Pottery, ceramics, or glassmaking
  • Mining or quarrying
  • Foundry work
Prevention is crucial. Use protective equipment, minimize exposure and seek medical attention if you suspect exposure or experience symptoms. Along with various online resources, you can also request a Workplace Health Hazard Evaluation or a CAL/OSHA Consultation to confirm if you are at risk of silicosis in your current workplace.


Resources and Information






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