Silicosis Cases Are Rising as Workers Breathe in Toxic Dust from Engineered Stone
Engineered stone countertops have become one of the most popular choices for kitchens and bathrooms, but behind their sleek and polished appearance lies a serious health crisis. Workers who cut, grind, and polish these countertops are being exposed to dangerous amounts of silica dust, leading to a fatal lung disease called silicosis. Unlike traditional natural stone materials such as granite and marble, engineered stone contains significantly higher amounts of silica, making the dust produced during fabrication even more harmful when inhaled.
The disease is irreversible, and many workers are developing severe, progressive lung damage at a young age. Some are dying in their 30s after just a few years of exposure. The alarming rise in cases has prompted public health officials and researchers to warn that this crisis could be far larger than currently documented. Thousands of workers across the United States may be at risk without even realizing the dangers they face every day in countertop manufacturing shops.
The Hidden Dangers of Engineered Stone
Silicosis is not a new disease, but its connection to engineered stone is relatively recent. For decades, miners and construction workers were the primary victims of silica dust exposure. However, doctors and researchers are now seeing young workers who cut engineered stone countertops develop severe lung disease after only a few years on the job. Unlike granite, which contains less than 45% silica, and marble, which has less than 10%, engineered stone is composed of over 90% crystalline silica. When cut, polished, or ground down, this material releases fine dust particles into the air. Without proper safety measures, workers inhale these tiny particles, which become trapped in their lungs and cause scarring over time.
Mr. Martinez, a 37-year-old former countertop worker, spent years polishing and cutting slabs of engineered stone. Dust was everywhere—on his clothes, in his hair, and even on the tables where he and his coworkers ate lunch. He is now suffering from advanced silicosis, struggling to breathe, and unable to play with his children. He watched two coworkers from the same company die of the disease last year. Doctors have told him that there is no cure, and a lung transplant may be his only option.
Public health officials are growing increasingly concerned that cases like Martinez’s are only the beginning. A report detailing 18 cases of severe illness, including two deaths, has highlighted the widespread impact of engineered stone fabrication. The affected workers were mostly Hispanic men working in California, Colorado, Texas, and Washington. Many were exposed to dangerous levels of silica dust due to poor ventilation and a lack of proper protective equipment.
Studies in other countries, such as Australia, have found that at least 12% of workers cutting engineered stone have developed silicosis. With an estimated 100,000 workers in the U.S. countertop industry and over 8,000 fabrication businesses, the number of undiagnosed cases could be staggering. Unlike larger manufacturers that may have advanced dust control systems, many small businesses lack proper safety measures, putting workers at an even greater risk.
How Workers Are Harmed by Silica Dust Exposure
The health effects of silica dust exposure can be devastating. Once inhaled, the tiny particles become embedded deep in the lungs, causing scarring and inflammation. Over time, this leads to difficulty breathing, chronic coughing, and extreme fatigue. Silicosis is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time, even if exposure stops. In severe cases, lung function deteriorates to the point where a transplant becomes the only hope for survival.
Many workers with silicosis also suffer from additional health complications. Some develop tuberculosis or other respiratory infections due to their weakened lungs. Others experience autoimmune disorders, kidney disease, or lung cancer. Once symptoms appear, there is no way to reverse the damage. Unlike some occupational diseases that take decades to develop, workers exposed to high levels of silica dust can develop life-threatening silicosis within just a few years.
Companies in the industry have long been aware of the risks. In 2015, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a hazard alert warning that workers in the countertop industry faced significant exposure to silica dust. In 2016, OSHA introduced stricter workplace limits on airborne silica levels, cutting the permissible exposure limit in half. However, enforcement of these regulations has been inconsistent, and many small shops continue to operate without proper safety measures.
Many workers, especially those who are undocumented, may not feel empowered to speak out about unsafe conditions. Without strong regulatory enforcement, businesses that cut corners on safety continue to operate, putting their employees at extreme risk. While some responsible manufacturers have invested in wet-cutting techniques, vacuum systems, and air filtration, many smaller shops still expose their workers to dangerous levels of silica dust.
Legal Options for Workers Affected by Silicosis
Workers who have suffered harm due to silica dust exposure may have legal options to seek compensation. If a company failed to provide proper protective measures, ignored safety regulations, or misled workers about the risks, affected employees may have grounds to file a lawsuit. Legal claims can be based on workplace negligence, product liability, or failure to warn about known dangers.
Filing a lawsuit requires proving that the exposure to silica dust was directly linked to a worker’s illness. This often involves gathering medical records, workplace safety reports, and expert testimony to establish liability. Companies that failed to provide adequate protection may be held responsible for their employees' suffering.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Silica exposure cases can be complex, requiring legal knowledge and extensive investigation. An experienced attorney can help affected workers build a strong case, collect necessary evidence, and negotiate fair compensation. Large corporations and insurance companies often try to minimize their liability, making it critical for victims to have legal representation to fight for their rights.
Workers who develop silicosis may be entitled to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disability. In cases where a company acted recklessly or knowingly exposed workers to hazardous conditions, punitive damages may also be awarded. Legal action can also push for stricter enforcement of safety regulations, preventing future cases of silicosis in the industry.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with silicosis after working in countertop fabrication, you may have the right to seek compensation. The national product injury law firm Parker Waichman LLP is committed to fighting for the rights of workers harmed by silica dust exposure.
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