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Engineered Stone Countertops

All articles tagged with #engineered stone countertops

health-labor1 year ago

"Quartz Countertop Workers Suffering Deadly Lung Disease: A Harrowing Testimony"

Workers involved in the production of engineered stone countertops, made from crushed quartz, are facing deadly lung diseases such as silicosis due to high levels of crystalline silica in the material. Many immigrant Latino workers, who dominate the industry, are falling ill, with some requiring lung transplants and facing shortened life expectancies. Lawsuits are being filed against manufacturers for failing to warn workers about the dangers, prompting questions about safety practices and regulations in the industry. Measures are being taken in some states and by manufacturers to address the issue, but the effectiveness of these measures in preventing silicosis remains uncertain.

health2 years ago

"Unrelenting Disease Ravages Young Stone Cutters"

Silicosis, an incurable lung disease, is increasingly affecting young stone cutters, particularly Latino immigrants in northern Los Angeles, due to the higher levels of silica in engineered stone countertops. The disease, which typically manifests in older individuals after decades of exposure, is now being diagnosed in workers in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Inadequate protection from silica dust and widespread violations of safety standards contribute to the problem. Advocates are calling for stricter regulations and increased awareness, while efforts are underway in California to address the crisis, including drafting emergency standards and considering a potential ban on engineered stone.