Massachusetts confirms first silicosis case linked to quartz countertops

Massachusetts health officials introduced Tuesday that the state has confirmed its first case of an incurable lung illness linked to publicity to sure countertop stones.

The illness is especially related to quartz, which has change into more and more in style lately for its practicality and aesthetic, in line with well being officers.

The Massachusetts Division of Public Well being (DPH) stated a 40-year-old man, who has labored within the stone countertop business for 14 years, was not too long ago recognized with silicosis, a situation that may trigger loss of life. 

“The affirmation of this case in Massachusetts is a tragic reminder that silicosis is not only a distant menace. It’s right here, and it’s critically impacting the well being of employees in Massachusetts,” Emily H. Sparer-Effective, a director at DPH, stated in an announcement.

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Kitchen with a quartz countertop Nov. 15, 2017, in Ballston Lake, N.Y. (John Carl D’Annibale/Albany Occasions Union)

The unnamed affected person reportedly carried out actions comparable to chopping, grinding and sprucing, which may generate crystalline silica mud. When inhaled, this mud scars lung tissue and might lead to silicosis, DPH stated.

The illness is preventable however irreversible and progressive, officers stated. Signs embody a persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and chest ache. As a result of there may be typically an extended latency interval between publicity and symptom onset, diagnoses are regularly delayed, in line with DPH. 

Because the illness progresses, it may end up in critical issues, together with lung most cancers, tuberculosis and even loss of life, the division added. 

Officers added that “most circumstances of silicosis are work-related – it is extremely uncommon for silicosis to happen exterior of office publicity.”

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A father and son arrange a quartz countertop at a sales space in Albany Sept. 15, 2011.  (John Carl D’Annibale/Albany Occasions Union)

Officers stated the chance exists when dealing with pure stones, comparable to granite, however is very excessive when working with engineered stone, comparable to quartz. Whereas pure granite usually incorporates lower than 45% silica, engineered stone can comprise greater than 90%, DPH reported.

“In recent times, the illness has change into extra prevalent amongst stone fabrication employees because of the rise in reputation of counter tops comprised of engineered stone (often known as quartz or synthetic stone),” DPH reported. 

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An worker applies a sealant to sheets for counter tops Could 14, 2014. (Craig Warga/Bloomberg)

The division famous that, whereas that is the primary confirmed case in Massachusetts inside this business, extra circumstances are anticipated because of the illness’s lengthy latency interval and the rising reputation of engineered stone.

Different states have additionally reported circumstances of silicosis. In a 2023 examine, California researchers recognized 52 quartz countertop employees with silicosis. Twenty of them had superior illness and 10 died.

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Regardless of the illness’s potential severity, there has not been an outright ban on quartz in U.S. kitchens. Against this, all work involving engineered stone has already been banned in Australia because of the extreme dangers it poses to employees. Different international locations are additionally pushing for extra rules.

The DPH emphasizes that silicosis is “completely preventable” by means of correct office controls. The alert urges employers within the stone countertop fabrication business to implement efficient security measures, comparable to moist chopping and correct air flow, to attenuate silica publicity and shield employees.

“Silicosis is a devastating, life-altering illness and one which can also be completely preventable,” Public Well being Commissioner Robbie Goldstein stated in an announcement.