Exposing the Truth: Manufacturers’ Knowledge of Silica Risks

Silica dust exposure has become a growing public health crisis, particularly for workers in industries such as construction, mining, and the artificial stone countertop sector. Behind this silent epidemic lies a disturbing truth: manufacturers have long been aware of the dangers posed by silica exposure, yet many failed to act. This negligence has led to devastating health consequences for thousands of workers, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and stronger safety standards.

At Brayton Purcell LLP, we believe in advocating for workers and holding manufacturers accountable for their actions—or lack thereof. In this article, we’ll examine the evidence proving manufacturers’ awareness of silica risks, the consequences for workers, and why ethical practices must be prioritized in the artificial stone industry.

Understanding Silica and Its Risks

Silica, or crystalline silica, is a naturally occurring mineral found in materials like sand, stone, and quartz. When these materials are cut, ground, or drilled, fine silica particles are released into the air. These nano-sized particles are small enough to be inhaled and become lodged in the lungs, causing irreversible damage over time.

Prolonged or repeated exposure to silica dust can lead to serious health conditions, including:

• Silicosis: A progressive and incurable lung disease characterized by scarring and inflammation.
• Lung Cancer: Silica has been classified as a known human carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A debilitating respiratory condition that restricts airflow.
• Kidney Disease: Research has shown a link between silica exposure and kidney damage.

Workers in industries such as stone fabrication, where artificial quartz countertops are manufactured and installed, face exceptionally high risks. Artificial stone contains over 90% crystalline silica, significantly more than natural stone products like granite, which contain only 5–45%.

Despite these well-documented dangers, evidence shows manufacturers failed to implement necessary safety precautions and withheld critical information about the risks to workers.

Evidence of Manufacturers’ Knowledge of Silica Risks

The dangers of silica dust exposure are not new. Research linking silica to lung diseases dates back more than a century. By the early 20th century, scientists and medical professionals recognized that inhaling silica dust caused severe lung damage, and the link to silicosis was well-established.

Manufacturers producing silica-based materials and artificial stone had access to this information for decades but chose to ignore it. Here’s a look at the mounting evidence of manufacturers’ awareness and inaction:

1. Historical Research: Studies as early as the 1930s demonstrated the connection between silica dust and silicosis. In 1936, a report published by the U.S. Department of Labor labeled silicosis as a preventable occupational disease and urged for improved workplace safety measures.
   
   
2. Industry Reports: Internal documents from manufacturers revealed they were fully aware of the silica content in artificial stone and its health risks. Reports showed they understood that inhaling silica dust could cause long-term, life-threatening diseases but continued to produce and promote these products without sufficient warnings or safety guidelines.
   
   
3. Regulatory Pressure Ignored: Despite efforts by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other safety organizations to enforce silica exposure limits, some manufacturers resisted implementing changes. Instead of prioritizing worker safety, they downplayed the risks or shifted responsibility onto employers, individual workers and contractors.
   
   
4. Artificial Stone Industry Cover-Up: The artificial stone industry, in particular, has come under scrutiny for failing to disclose silica dangers to workers. Companies have promoted artificial quartz countertops as durable and attractive without adequately addressing the health risks associated with cutting, grinding, and installing these products.
   
   

In essence, manufacturers had clear knowledge of the harm silica dust could cause but prioritized profits over people.

The Human Cost of Manufacturers’ Negligence

The consequences of this failure to act are dire. Thousands of workers have paid the price with their health, livelihoods, and lives. Cases of silicosis and silica-related illnesses have surged in industries like artificial stone fabrication, where workers are exposed to extremely high levels of crystalline silica.

• The Rise of Silicosis Cases: A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported a significant increase in silicosis cases among workers in the artificial stone countertop industry. The severity of the disease is often heightened due to exposure to concentrated silica.
• Young Workers Affected: Unlike traditional silicosis cases seen in older workers after decades of exposure, younger workers—some in their 20s and 30s—are being diagnosed with advanced silicosis after only a few years on the job. This reflects the extreme exposure levels in modern manufacturing processes.
• Fatal Consequences: Silicosis is not only debilitating but also fatal. Workers diagnosed with advanced stages of the disease face a grim prognosis, as there is no cure. For many, lung transplants become the only option, though such procedures are costly and not always accessible.

These tragedies were entirely preventable. Manufacturers had the information and resources to protect workers, yet they failed to prioritize safety.

A Call for Transparency and Ethical Practices

The failure of manufacturers to address silica risks exposes deep flaws in the artificial stone industry. To prevent further harm, the following actions must be taken:

1. Mandatory Disclosure of Silica Content: Manufacturers must be transparent about the silica content in their products and provide clear warnings to workers and employers. Knowledge is the first step to prevention.
   
   
2. Stricter Workplace Safety Standards: Although there are currently no practical, financially viable methods to ensure worker safety, companies must comply with silica exposure limits and implement safety protocols to help reduce risks, such as:

• Wet-cutting methods to reduce airborne silica dust.
• Proper ventilation systems in fabrication facilities.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), including high-quality respirators.
• Regular health screenings for workers exposed to silica dust.

1. Training and Education: Manufacturers must educate employers and workers about the dangers of silica exposure and provide training on how to safely handle materials that contain crystalline silica.
   
   
2. Corporate Accountability: Manufacturers must take responsibility for the harm caused by their negligence. This includes compensating affected workers, investing in safer manufacturing processes, and advocating for stronger industry standards.
   
   

Holding Manufacturers Accountable

At Brayton Purcell LLP, we believe manufacturers must be held accountable for knowingly exposing workers to lethal levels of silica dust. The evidence is clear: they were aware of the risks yet failed to take action, putting profits ahead of worker safety.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with silicosis, lung cancer, or another silica-related illness, you may have legal options. Our experienced legal team is here to help you:

• Understand your rights.
• Pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
• Hold negligent manufacturers accountable for their actions.

We have a proven track record of fighting for justice on behalf of workers harmed by occupational hazards like asbestos and silica. You don’t have to face this battle alone.

Conclusion: Putting People Before Profits

The dangers of silica exposure have been known for decades, yet manufacturers in the artificial stone and related industries chose to ignore the risks. Their inaction has resulted in devastating health outcomes for countless workers. It’s time for transparency, accountability, and ethical practices to become the standard.

Protecting workers requires collective action. Manufacturers must disclose risks, implement safety protocols, and prioritize the health of their workforce. Workers and families affected by silica-related illnesses deserve justice and compensation for the harm they’ve endured.

At Brayton Purcell LLP, we are committed to exposing the truth and fighting for those impacted by silica exposure. If you or someone you love has been affected, contact us today for a free consultation. Together, we can hold negligent manufacturers accountable and secure the justice you deserve.