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Silicosis

All articles tagged with #silicosis

health1 month ago

Massachusetts Man Diagnosed with Deadly Lung Disease Linked to Popular Kitchen Countertops

Doctors in California are petitioning to ban engineered stone countertops containing high levels of crystalline silica due to their link to silicosis, a deadly lung disease, following Australia's lead in banning similar materials. Despite existing regulations, enforcement is weak, and many workers remain at risk, with some developing severe health issues or dying. Industry groups oppose a ban, favoring certification and better enforcement instead, but medical experts argue that a ban is necessary to prevent further tragedies.

via KQED|
#artificial-stone#california#health
health1 year ago

Rising Cases of Black Lung Linked to Popular Quartz Worktops

Doctors are raising alarms about a rising epidemic of silicosis, a deadly lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust from cutting quartz countertops. The condition, which causes irreversible lung scarring, is increasingly affecting workers in the stone-cutting industry, particularly those handling engineered quartz with high silica content. Many cases are underdiagnosed, delaying critical treatment. The disease is incurable and can lead to severe health issues, including the need for lung transplants. Researchers emphasize the need for better workplace safety and early screening, especially for vulnerable immigrant workers.

via Daily Mail|
#health#lung-disease#occupational-health
health1 year ago

Urgent Call to Address Deadly Silicosis in Kitchen Countertop Industry

Silicosis, a severe lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, is increasingly affecting American stone and construction workers, leading to a surge in lawsuits against stone manufacturers. The disease, once thought to primarily affect miners, is now recognized as a significant risk for workers cutting quartz and granite countertops. Many affected workers, like Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez, face dire health consequences, including the need for lung transplants. The situation highlights the urgent need for better safety protocols and awareness in the industry.

via Daily Mail|
#construction-industry#health#lawsuits
health1 year ago

Urgent Call for Action on Toxic Kitchen Worktop Materials

Marek Marzec, a 48-year-old father of three, is taking legal action against his former employers after being diagnosed with silicosis, a severe lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust from cutting quartz worktops. Marzec, who is now on end-of-life care, claims he worked in "appalling" conditions and hopes to prevent others from suffering similar fates. His legal team is calling for urgent safety measures to protect stone workers from the lethal dust, which has already claimed other lives.

via New York Post |
#health#legal-action#lung-disease
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.

via CBS News|
#engineered-stone-countertops#health-labor#lawsuits
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.

via Newser|
#engineered-stone-countertops#health#public-health
health-and-safety2 years ago

"Protecting Workers: Safeguarding Against the Hazards of Engineered Stone Countertops"

Silicosis, a lung disease caused by exposure to crystalline silica, is affecting young workers, particularly Latino immigrants, who are exposed to silica dust when cutting and grinding engineered stone countertops. Consumers can help address the issue by questioning safety standards used by manufacturers and opting for alternative countertop materials. Researching the product's impact on workers and choosing fabrication shops that sell refurbished countertops can also make a difference. Consumer demand can drive improvements in product safety and encourage stronger safety enforcement.

via AOL|
#consumer-awareness#engineered-stone#health-and-safety
health2 years ago

"Silicosis: Deadly Lung Disease Strikes Countertop Workers"

Workers cutting countertops are at risk of developing silicosis, a severe and incurable lung disease caused by breathing in silica dust. Latino immigrants in California's Pacoima region are particularly vulnerable. Symptoms include cough, mucus build-up, shortness of breath, bronchitis-like symptoms, weakness, fatigue, fever, night sweats, leg swelling, and bluish lips. Silicosis can lead to tuberculosis, lung cancer, COPD, and kidney disease. Treatment is available, but prevention is crucial. A study found that almost 20% of California workers with silicosis had died, with misdiagnosis and delays in diagnosis common. Workers like Leobardo Segura Meza fear the lack of a cure and the potential shortage of lungs for transplantation as more workers become ill.

via The Mirror|
#countertop-workers#health#lung-disease
health2 years ago

"Silicosis: The Deadly Lung Disease Plaguing Countertop Workers"

Young Latino workers in California's Pacoima region are being affected by an incurable lung disease called silicosis, caused by exposure to hazardous levels of silica dust while cutting and grinding engineered stone countertops. This severe disease, traditionally associated with older workers, is now affecting individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, with some receiving terminal diagnoses. Efforts are being made to raise awareness and improve workplace safety, including the consideration of banning high-silica content engineered stone. However, there is debate within the industry regarding safety measures and the suitability of the product.

via The Mirror|
#engineered-stone#health#latino-workers
health2 years ago

"Fatal Disease Plagues California Countertop Workers"

Workers in California's stone fabrication industry, particularly those cutting and polishing engineered stone countertops, are being afflicted by an accelerated form of silicosis, an incurable and suffocating lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica particles. The disease, which typically affects older individuals, is now striking men in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, leaving them with a terminal diagnosis. The prevalence of silicosis among stone workers is estimated to be high, with up to 1 in 5 workers affected. California is drafting emergency rules to protect workers, and there are discussions about potentially banning the sale and installation of silica engineered stone. However, industry groups argue that adherence to safety measures is key, while advocates call for additional protections and awareness for workers.

via Yahoo News|
#california#engineered-stone#health
health-and-safety2 years ago

"Fatal Disease Plagues California Countertop Workers"

Workers in California's countertop industry, particularly Latino immigrants, are being afflicted by silicosis, an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica particles while cutting and grinding stone. The popularity of engineered stone countertops, which contain higher concentrations of silica, has led to a surge in cases among younger workers. Many have died in their 30s, and some have suffered severe scarring in their lungs before being diagnosed. Los Angeles County has been hit hard, with 60 out of 83 cases identified since 2019. Efforts are underway to improve workplace safety and potentially ban the sale of silica engineered stone. However, industry groups argue for better enforcement of existing safety measures, while advocates call for additional protections and a ban on the product.

via Los Angeles Times|
#california#countertop-industry#health-and-safety
health-and-safety2 years ago

Child's Tragic Death Linked to Common Building Material: Heartbreaking Image Revealed

A 7-year-old boy in Brazil tragically died after inhaling limestone powder while playing in a pile of the substance. The boy's family was unaware of the dangers of inhaling the pulverized limestone, commonly used in construction and agriculture. Limestone dust can cause breathing problems and is known to be carcinogenic, especially in large quantities. Inhalation of the hazardous particle, respirable crystalline silica, found in limestone, can lead to lung diseases such as silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The boy's death has prompted an investigation by local police, and his family shared his final photo as a warning to others.

via New York Post |
#brazil#childs-death#health-and-safety
health2 years ago

The Deadly Toll of Fancy Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops, the most popular choice among home renovators and designers, are causing deadly lung disease among the workers who make them, according to a new report. Silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling silica particles, is affecting workers at alarming rates. Quartz countertops contain triple the silica content of natural materials like granite or marble, making them more hazardous. The study calls for measures to protect workers from silica dust exposure, faster diagnosis of the disease, and even a potential ban on quartz countertops. California has already taken steps to address the issue, including investigating non-compliant fabrication shops and considering a ban on the sale and installation of silica fabricated stone.

via New York Post |
#health#lung-disease#public-health
health-and-safety2 years ago

"California Implements Safety Measures to Protect Countertop Makers from Lung Damage"

California is taking action to protect workers in the countertop industry, particularly those who work with quartz, from developing silicosis, an irreversible lung disease caused by breathing in silica dust. The state has identified 77 sickened workers, with at least ten deaths and the need for lung transplants. The majority of affected workers are young Spanish-speaking Latino men who have emigrated from Central America. California's Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board is fast-tracking the development of new regulations to prevent dust inhalation, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is considering a ban on quartz countertops. Experts warn that this issue is not limited to California and estimate that around 100,000 people work in this industry across the United States.

via NPR|
#california#countertop-workers#health-and-safety
health-and-safety2 years ago

California Implements Safety Measures to Protect Stonecutters from Deadly Lung Damage

California workplace regulators are expediting the development of new rules to protect countertop fabrication workers from inhaling toxic silica dust, which has led to a growing number of young men developing irreversible breathing problems. Silicosis, a deadly disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica particles, has been identified in dozens of mostly immigrant workers who cut and sand engineered stone to make countertops. The high silica content in these products has been linked to a more aggressive form of silicosis. Health professionals have urged the state board to act swiftly to save workers' lives, and a soft-spoken 27-year-old stonecutter suffering from silicosis pleaded for emergency measures to prevent others from getting sick. The proposed rules would prohibit dry-cutting the material and require employers to provide greater protections for workers. If the rules are not followed, the state may consider banning the use of engineered stone products altogether within a year.

via KQED|
#california#engineered-stone#health-and-safety