Massachusetts confirms first silicosis case linked to quartz counter tops

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Massachusetts well being officers 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 grow to be more and more fashionable in recent times for its practicality and aesthetic, in keeping 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 trade for 14 years, was just lately identified with silicosis, a situation that may trigger dying.

"The affirmation of this case in Massachusetts is a tragic reminder that silicosis isn't just a distant risk. It's right here, and it's severely impacting the well being of staff in Massachusetts," Emily H. Sparer-High-quality, a director at DPH, stated in a press release.

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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 akin to slicing, grinding and sharpening, which may generate crystalline silica mud. When inhaled, this mud scars lung tissue and might result in silicosis, DPH stated.

The illness is preventable however irreversible and progressive, officers stated. Signs embrace a persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and chest ache. As a result of there's typically a protracted latency interval between publicity and symptom onset, diagnoses are continuously delayed, in keeping with DPH.

Because the illness progresses, it may end up in severe issues, together with lung most cancers, tuberculosis and even dying, the division added.

Officers added that "most circumstances of silicosis are work-related – it is vitally uncommon for silicosis to happen outdoors 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, akin to granite, however is particularly excessive when working with engineered stone, akin to quartz. Whereas pure granite usually comprises lower than 45% silica, engineered stone can include greater than 90%, DPH reported.

"Lately, the illness has grow to be extra prevalent amongst stone fabrication staff as a result of rise in recognition of counter tops comprised of engineered stone (also referred to as quartz or synthetic stone)," DPH reported.

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

The division famous that, whereas that is the primary confirmed case in Massachusetts inside this trade, extra circumstances are anticipated as a result of illness's lengthy latency interval and the rising recognition of engineered stone.

Different states have additionally reported circumstances of silicosis. In a 2023 examine, California researchers recognized 52 quartz countertop staff 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 as a result of extreme dangers it poses to staff. Different nations are additionally pushing for extra laws.

The DPH emphasizes that silicosis is "completely preventable" via correct office controls. The alert urges employers within the stone countertop fabrication trade to implement efficient security measures, akin to moist slicing and correct air flow, to attenuate silica publicity and defend staff.

"Silicosis is a devastating, life-altering illness and one which can also be completely preventable," Public Well being Commissioner Robbie Goldstein stated in a press release.