Unveiling the Risks: Gramar Stone Center’s Safety Practices Exposed

Gramar Stone Center, Inc., established in 2001 and based in Anaheim, California, has positioned
itself as a leading wholesaler of natural and artificial stone products in the U.S. Despite its wide
selection and international sourcing, the company’s approach to consumer and worker safety,
specifically regarding its artificial stone products like quartz, which raises significant concerns. Gramar’s 2021 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for its “Quartz” products is a case in point.
The document misleadingly categorizes these artificial stone products as “naturally occurring
Minerals” ignoring the significant health hazards posed by the respirable crystalline silica dust
generated during fabrication. This dust is known to cause severe diseases such as silicosis,
pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer when inhaled by workers. The assertion that the finished
products are non-hazardous is not only false but dangerously misleading, as the stone slabs
require further processing before installation, during which harmful dust is inevitably produced.

Misleading Safety Data on Artificial Stone Products

The handling and storage section of the MSDS inadequately addresses the necessity of
respiratory protection. It suggests that such protection might not be required if “effective
engineering controls” are in place. This advice is dangerously misleading, as the toxic nature of
the dust generated from these products necessitates respiratory protection regardless of other
controls.

Inadequate Respiratory Protection Guidelines

Furthermore, the recommendation for respiratory protection in the MSDS is alarmingly
insufficient. It suggests that a “properly fitted NIOSH/MSHA approved particulate respirator”
may be used when cutting or installing these products. This advice grossly underestimates the
protection required to prevent silicosis and other lung diseases caused by the ultrafine particles of
crystalline silica in artificial stone dust. Only NIOSH-approved air-supplied respirators can offer
adequate protection, yet Gramar’s MSDS fails to make this clear, putting workers at grave risk.

Underestimated Risks of Silicosis and Lung Disease

The toxicological information section of the MSDS is equally troubling. It downplays the risk of
acute effects from exposure to these products, erroneously suggesting that only “very rare cases”
of acute silicosis might occur from “extremely dusty environments”. This statement is
misleading and minimizes the well-documented risks of silicosis and other serious health
conditions associated with regular exposure to crystalline silica dust, even in less extreme
conditions.

Regulatory Misinformation and Potential Hazards

Moreover, the regulatory information provided in the MSDS is misleading and potentially
harmful. It refers to the products as “natural stone tile” and lists toxic metals that are not
disclosed in the composition section of the document. If these toxic metals are indeed present,
the lack of adequate safety instructions poses a severe risk to workers, especially considering the
deadly lung diseases associated with some of these elements, like beryllium.

Toxicological Misinformation and Its Impacts

The failure of Gramar Stone Center to provide accurate, comprehensive, and clear safety
information in its MSDS is a glaring indication of the company's disregard for the health and
safety of workers who handle its products. The misleading statements and inadequate safety
instructions not only undermine worker safety but also reflect a broader issue of transparency
and accountability in the industry.

Leadership Accountability and Industry Implications

Andrea Pier Paolo Francini, the CEO and key decision-maker of Gramar Stone Center, bears
responsibility for these failings. Under his leadership, the company has failed to fulfill its duty to
ensure that its products can be used safely, without putting workers at risk of life-threatening
diseases. The case of Gramar Stone Center serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for
stricter regulations and oversight in the stone product industry to protect the health and safety of
workers.

Need Legal Support? Contact Brayton Purcell LLP

If you or someone you know is facing health issues due to unsafe working conditions like those described at Gramar Stone Center, you may need legal assistance to ensure your rights are protected. Brayton Purcell LLP specializes in cases related to workplace safety, offering expert legal counsel and representation. We have a strong track record in securing compensation for affected workers and their families. To discuss your case and explore your legal options, reach out to Brayton Purcell LLP today. You can contact us at (800) 361 2417.