What Is Artificial Stone Silicosis? Understanding the Risks

Artificial stone silicosis is a fatal lung disease among artificial stone fabrication workers caused by exposure to silica dust from artificial stone. Silicosis, specifically linked to artificial stone, progresses rapidly compared to other forms, posing significant health risks to those exposed.

In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of artificial stone silicosis, why workers in this industry face elevated risks, and the critical importance of early diagnosis in managing the disease.

What Is Artificial Stone Silicosis?

Silicosis is a debilitating respiratory condition caused by inhaling fine crystalline silica dust. Artificial stone, often used in kitchen and bathroom countertops, contains up to 95% nano-sized silica, significantly higher in quantity and smaller in size than natural stone. When workers cut, grind, or polish these materials, the process releases tiny silica particles into the air, making them easily inhaled.

Once inhaled, silica dust embeds itself in lung tissue, causing inflammation, scarring, and severe damage over time. Artificial stone silicosis is particularly dangerous because it develops rapidly, often leading to severe symptoms in very young workers within a few months or years of exposure.

Causes of Artificial Stone Silicosis

The cause of artificial stone silicosis is the inhalation of respirable silica dust generated during the fabrication and installation of artificial stone countertops. Activities such as sawing, drilling, sanding, and polishing release significant amounts of silica dust into the air, exposing workers to these harmful particles.

Contributing Factors:

1. High Silica Content: Artificial stone is engineered with high nano-sized silica levels, making it inherently hazardous when disturbed.
2. Short Exposure: Unlike chronic silicosis caused by natural stone, even short duration exposure to artificial stone silica dust greatly increases the risk of developing silicosis and related health issues.
3. Lack of Protections: There are no economical safety precautions that can protect workers from artificial stone silicosis.

Why Are Workers in the Artificial Stone Industry at High Risk?

Workers in the artificial stone industry face unique risks due to the materials and processes involved in their jobs. The intense concentration of nano-sized silica in artificial stone products means that even brief exposure during fabrication can result in significant inhalation of harmful particles.

Material-Specific Risks:

• High Silica Composition: Artificial stone contains higher silica levels than natural stone, amplifying the dangers during cutting and shaping processes.
• Microscopic Dust Particles: The nano-sized dust generated during fabrication is so fine that it easily becomes airborne, goes right through masks, and inhaled, increasing the risk of lung exposure.

Other Dangers of Silica Dust Exposure

Silica dust exposure is not limited to silicosis; it carries risks for a range of serious health conditions. Inhalation of silica dust can lead to:

• Lung Cancer: Crystalline silica is a confirmed carcinogen linked to lung cancer.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Exposure damages the lungs over time, leading to chronic respiratory illnesses like emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
• Kidney Disease: Silica dust exposure has been associated with higher risks of chronic kidney disease and failure.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Workers exposed to silica dust may develop autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis is essential to manage artificial stone silicosis effectively and prevent further complications. However, the disease often goes unnoticed in its early stages, as symptoms may be mild or misdiagnosed as other respiratory issues.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Persistent coughing
• Difficulty breathing, especially with exertion
• Chest pain or tightness
• Fatigue and general weakness

These symptoms can worsen over time, making it crucial for workers to communicate their occupational history to medical professionals.

Diagnostic Tools:

• Imaging Tests: Chest X-rays and CT scans generally miss silicosis. Instead an HRCT is required to properly detect lung abnormalities associated with silica exposure.
• Pulmonary Function Tests: These tests measure lung capacity and can identify respiratory impairment.
• Medical History: A thorough evaluation of exposure history is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
• Occupational History: Most doctors do not even suspect silicosis because they don’t know to ask if the patient is an artificial stone fabrication worker.

The Need for Industry Accountability

While artificial stone silicosis is a preventable condition, it continues to devastate workers’ lives due to the high nano-sized silica content in the materials themselves. Manufacturers of artificial stone slabs must acknowledge their role in addressing this health crisis by ceasing to manufacture these deadly fashion products.

What Needs to Change:

• Transparent Product Labeling: Accurate, detailed information warning of the risks associated with silica dust should be readily available to workers and employers.
• Safer Alternatives: Manufacturers must explore innovations that reduce or eliminate silica content in artificial stone products.
• Compensation for Victims: Workers diagnosed with artificial stone silicosis deserve financial support to cover medical expenses and lost wages and premature horrific death

Advocacy for Affected Workers

For workers already diagnosed with artificial stone silicosis, the focus must shift to securing justice and compensation. Legal action against manufacturers who failed to disclose the risks of their products is a critical step in holding them accountable. These cases also serve to raise awareness and promote systemic change in the industry.

Conclusion: Understanding the Risks, Fighting for Justice

Artificial stone silicosis is a devastating disease that underscores the hidden dangers of silica exposure. Workers in the artificial stone industry face unparalleled risks due to the material’s high nano-sized silica content and the fine dust it generates. Early diagnosis can improve outcomes, but the true solution lies in holding manufacturers accountable and advocating for safer industry practices.

If you or a loved one has been affected by artificial stone silicosis, Brayton Purcell LLP is here to help. Our experienced attorneys specialize in silica-related cases, fighting to secure the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Together, we can work toward a safer future and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.