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Engineered stone countertop workers face rising risk of silicosis, a deadly lung disease linked to silica dust exposure.
Engineered stone countertops, valued for their strength and sleek appearance, have become a staple in modern American kitchens. But while homeowners enjoy the beauty and durability of these surfaces, workers who manufacture them are grappling with a hidden health crisis. Recent studies reveal a disturbing surge in cases of silicosis, a severe lung disease caused by exposure to silica dust, in workers within the countertop industry.
“This is a new and emerging epidemic, and we must increase awareness of this disease process so we can avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment for our patients,” said Dr. Sundus Lateef, M.D., a diagnostic radiology resident at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and lead author of a study on the issue.
The Growing Threat of Silicosis
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust, commonly produced in industries like construction, mining, and stone manufacturing. The disease progressively damages lung tissue, leading to respiratory failure and an increased risk of infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even lung cancer.
Engineered stone countertops, made from quartz aggregates bonded with resin, contain significantly higher levels of crystalline silica than natural stone countertops. As workers cut, shape, grind, and polish these materials, they are exposed to potentially dangerous levels of silica dust, which can lead to silicosis.
A study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) underscores the emerging danger to workers. Dr. Lateef and her team examined cases at a large urban safety-net hospital outside Los Angeles, where they found an alarming increase in silicosis diagnoses among countertop workers.
Alarming Findings in Worker Health
The study included 55 workers diagnosed with silicosis using CT scans and pulmonary function tests. In a smaller sample of 21 patients, all were male, predominantly Hispanic, with an average age of 43 and an average of 18 years of exposure to silica dust. All were symptomatic, presenting with shortness of breath and persistent cough.
The study revealed several challenges in diagnosing the disease. Primary care physicians identified silicosis in only 19% of the cases, while radiologists detected it in just 33%. Many of the workers exhibited atypical symptoms and imaging features, leading to misdiagnoses and delays in treatment. In fact, nearly half of the patients displayed unusual radiologic signs that differed from typical cases of silicosis.
“These new cases of silicosis demonstrate radiology findings different from the historical disease, and doctors may not be aware of the diagnosis when they see these images,” Dr. Lateef noted.
Challenges in Worker Safety and Advocacy
While silicosis is a preventable disease, research shows that safety measures in workplaces often fall short. In California, more than half of countertop manufacturing workplaces exceed the maximum permissible exposure limit for silica dust during inspections. Workers, many of whom are Spanish-speaking Latino immigrants, are particularly vulnerable due to unsafe working conditions and a lack of proper safety protocols.
“There is a critical lack of recognition of exposure and screening for workers in the engineered stone manufacturing industry,” Dr. Lateef said. “There needs to be a push for earlier screening and advocacy for this vulnerable population.”
To address these concerns, Dr. Lateef and her colleagues are working on the California Artificial Stone and Silicosis (CASS) Project. This initiative aims to promote better respiratory health practices and screening measures for workers in the state’s countertop fabrication industry.
The project and studies like these are helping shine a light on an issue that has been long overlooked. As demand for engineered stone countertops continues to grow, the urgency for improved safety standards and early detection of silicosis has never been greater.
Advocating for Worker Protection
In response to the rising health risks, experts urge the implementation of enhanced workplace safety measures, including better ventilation systems, wet cutting methods, and proper respiratory protection. However, the reality remains that many workers continue to face unsafe conditions that threaten their health. For Dr. Lateef and her team, the battle for worker health is just beginning.
“The key to addressing this crisis is awareness,” Dr. Lateef concluded. “We need to advocate for these workers and ensure that they are protected from the dangers of silica exposure, before more lives are lost to this preventable disease.”
As this emerging epidemic continues to affect the manufacturing industry, it highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in worker health protections and early diagnosis, ensuring a safer future for those who make the kitchens of America.
