PRESS RELEASE–The Hidden Dangers of Artificial Stone: A Growing Silicosis Crisis Among Workers
February 11, 2025
Despite increased awareness of the dangers of artificial stone, workers in the industry continue to be diagnosed with silicosis at alarming rates. Silicosis, a deadly and incurable lung disease, is caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust—a substance released in large amounts when cutting, grinding, and polishing engineered stone. While regulatory agencies like OSHA have introduced new safety measures, the reality is stark: there is no economically feasible way to protect workers from silica dust exposure when fabricating artificial stone.
Even the most stringent workplace safety measures have failed to prevent silicosis cases among artificial stone workers. Respirators, ventilation systems, and wet-cutting techniques are simply not enough to eliminate exposure. This growing crisis has led health and safety experts to conclude that artificial stone itself is the problem—and that it should no longer be manufactured or used.
Why Is Artificial Stone So Dangerous?
Engineered stone contains up to 95% crystalline silica, compared to the much lower levels found in natural stone like granite or marble. When cut or polished, nano-sized silica particles become airborne and are easily inhaled. Once inhaled, silica dust causes irreversible scarring in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing, lung failure, and, in many cases, death.
The main issue is that there is currently no economically feasible way to protect workers from inhaling this deadly dust. Even in facilities that follow OSHA's most recent silica exposure limits, cases of silicosis are still emerging. The following challenges make effective protection nearly impossible:
- Respirators Are Insufficient: Even OSHA-approved respirators do not fully prevent silica inhalation. Fine silica dust is small enough to bypass many respiratory protections, leading to continued exposure.
- Engineering Controls Are Ineffective: While ventilation systems and wet-cutting techniques help reduce dust, they do not eliminate it—meaning workers remain at risk every time they fabricate artificial stone.
- High Silica Content Means High Exposure: Because engineered stone contains such a high concentration of silica, even short-term exposure can be dangerous.
Regulations Aren’t Enough to Prevent Silicosis
While OSHA has implemented strict permissible exposure limits (PEL) for silica dust, these regulations have failed to stop the rising number of silicosis cases among artificial stone workers. The reason is simple: even when companies comply with these standards, workers are still developing silicosis.
Some countries, including Australia, have already taken steps to ban artificial stone due to its undeniable health risks. Without a complete phase-out of engineered stone, workers will continue to suffer from this entirely preventable disease.
The Only Solution: Stop Manufacturing Artificial Stone
Silicosis from artificial stone is not a workplace compliance issue—it is a materials issue. No amount of regulation can make engineered stone safe to work with because there is no cost-effective way to eliminate silica dust exposure.
The only way to protect workers is to stop manufacturing and using artificial stone altogether. Consumers, businesses, and policymakers must push for safer alternatives—such as natural stone or low-silica engineered surfaces—to ensure that no more workers lose their lives to silicosis caused by preventable silica exposure.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with artificial stone silicosis, you may have legal options. Brayton Purcell LLP has been at the forefront of representing workers affected by occupational diseases, and we are here to help. Contact us today to discuss your legal rights and potential compensation.
