Lung Disease in Countertop Fabricators: 4 Primary Risk Factors of Deadly Disease

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Silicosis associated with inhalation of respirable crystalline silica among engineered stone countertop fabrication workers is an emerging health concern.  Silicosis, a debilitating lung disease caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), is a severe concern for countertop fabricators.

Countertop fabricators are at extreme risk of developing silicosis, a deadly lung disease.

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust, which is produced during the cutting, grinding, or polishing of materials like granite and quartz. The fine silica particles are so small that they can easily penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring. Silicosis develops over time, often silently, with symptoms not appearing until years after exposure. For countertop fabricators, the risk of silicosis is a growing concern, as the demand for stone countertops continues to rise.

Countertop fabricators are particularly vulnerable to silicosis due to the nature of their work. They are routinely exposed to high levels of RCS while cutting and shaping stone slabs. The primary risk factors include:

Countertop Fabricator’s and Employer’s Lack of Awareness: Many fabricators are unaware of the risks associated with silica exposure and may not take adequate precautions.  Silicosis is notorious for its delayed onset of symptoms, which can take years to manifest. This makes it difficult for countertop fabricators to connect their health issues to workplace exposure.  Many fabricators may not even realize the risks they face, leading to underreporting of illnesses and limited data on the true extent of the problem.

Inadequate Ventilation: Without adequate ventilation, workers are exposed to elevated levels of airborne silica dust, which significantly increases their risk of developing silicosis, as well as other respiratory and lung-related diseases.  OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations require employers to provide a safe working environment. Inadequate ventilation can result in compliance issues and potential legal consequences.

Prolonged Exposure Leads to Serious Lung Disease: Countertop fabrication often involves long hours of continuous work, leading to prolonged exposure to silica dust.  Prolonged exposure to silica dust presents significant health risks, primarily due to its ability to enter the respiratory system and cause serious health problems.

Lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Failure to use appropriate PPE, such as respirators and dust masks, can exacerbate the risk of inhalation.  Workers should wear appropriate respiratory protection, such as N95 respirators or higher-grade respirators designed to filter out fine silica particles. Fit testing and proper training on respirator use are essential.

Silicosis is a hidden threat that countertop fabricators face daily, often without realizing it. The lack of awareness about this potentially life-threatening disease is a significant concern for the industry. By increasing education and training, enforcing safety measures, providing regular health screenings, and advocating for support systems, we can begin to address this issue and ensure that the health and well-being of countertop fabricators are safeguarded, alongside their remarkable craftsmanship. It’s time to make the invisible threat of silicosis visible and protect those who create the beauty in our homes.

For more information about respirable crystalline silica in the workplace, go to the NIOSH Crystalline Silica web page or the CDC Silicosis in the Workplace page.

If you’ve been diagnosed with silicosis—sometimes also referred to pulmonary fibrosis or diagnosed in connection with pneumoconiosis or interstitial lung disease (ILD)—an attorney at Carter Law Group can protect your legal rights and fight to get you and your family the compensation you deserve.

Please visit our Education and Resources page for additional information on how silica causes disease, your silicosis diagnosis, government regulations related to silica and silica exposure, and other information and educational tools related to your injuries, your potential lawsuit, and how Carter Law Group can help you.

 

 

Silicosis in Dusty Workplaces: The Silent Killer

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Warning Sign: Silica Dust Hazard

Dusty Workplaces can cause a life-threatening disease called silicosis.

Silicosis in dusty workplaces is a life-threatening risk.  While many occupational hazards and the workplace injuries they cause are widely recognized, some workplace dangers are relatively unknown to the general public. Silicosis, a debilitating lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust, is such a danger in many dusty jobs.

What is Silicosis?

Silicosis is a chronic and irreversible lung disease resulting from prolonged exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust. RCS is a fine, breathable dust created when materials containing silica, such as quartz, are cut, ground, or crushed. Silica is widely present in various industries, including construction, mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. The inhalation of silica dust can lead to lung inflammation, scarring, and a range of serious health problems.

What causes Silicosis?

Silicosis is primarily caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust, which is commonly released during certain industrial processes. Key causes of silicosis include:

  1. Construction Work: Activities like cutting, drilling, or grinding concrete, stone, and masonry materials can generate silica dust.
  2. Mining and Quarrying: Miners and quarry workers are at high risk due to their direct exposure to silica-containing minerals.
  3. Manufacturing: Production processes involving materials like glass, ceramics, and foundry castings release silica dust.
  4. Agriculture: Handling materials like diatomaceous earth, used in pest control, can expose agricultural workers to silica.

What are the signs and symptoms of Silicosis?

The symptoms of silicosis may not appear until years after exposure, making it a hidden threat for many workers. Common signs and symptoms include:

  1. Shortness of breath, which progresses over time.
  2. Chronic cough, often accompanied by mucus production.
  3. Chest pain and tightness.
  4. Fatigue.
  5. Fever and night sweats in advanced cases.
  6. Loss of appetite and weight loss.
  7. Cyanosis (bluish skin and lips) in severe cases.

As you can see, these symptoms are non-specific, meaning they can be related to many illnesses.  If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly, especially if they have a history of exposure to silica dust.

How is Silicosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing silicosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various tests to confirm the presence of the disease. Here’s how the diagnostic process typically unfolds:

  1. Medical History: The first step involves discussing the patient’s work history and potential exposure to silica dust. A detailed history can provide valuable insights into the likelihood of silicosis.
  2. Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will perform a thorough physical examination, paying special attention to the respiratory system. They may listen to the lungs for abnormal sounds and check for any signs of respiratory distress.
  3. Radiological Imaging: Chest X-rays and CT scans are essential tools for diagnosing silicosis. These imaging tests can reveal the characteristic lung abnormalities caused by silica dust, such as nodules or fibrosis.
  4. Pulmonary Function Tests: These tests assess lung function and help determine how efficiently the lungs are working. Silicosis often leads to a decrease in lung function, which can be quantified through these tests.
  5. Bronchoscopy: In some cases, a bronchoscopy may be performed. This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the airways to examine the lungs and take tissue samples for further analysis.
  6. Blood Tests: Blood tests can be used to rule out other potential causes of similar symptoms, such as infections or autoimmune diseases.

How do we prevent Silicosis?

Silicosis in dusty workplaces is a life threatening risk. Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to occupational diseases like silicosis. Employers, workers, and safety organizations must work together to minimize exposure to crystalline silica dust. Here are some preventive measures:

 

 

  1. Use Protective Equipment: Workers should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including masks, respirators, and goggles, to minimize exposure to silica dust.
  2. Engineering Controls: Employers should implement engineering controls like ventilation systems and water suppression methods to reduce dust in the workplace.
  3. Regular Medical Examinations: Periodic medical check-ups for workers who are at risk of silica exposure can help detect silicosis in its early stages.
  4. Education and Training: Employers should provide proper training and education on the risks of silica exposure and safe work practices.
  5. Compliance with Regulations: Employers and workers should adhere to safety regulations and standards set by local authorities and agencies.

After diagnosis: What do I do?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with silicosis after being exposed to silica dust at a dusty workplace, you may have a lawsuit against the manufacturers of products used on that job.

Silicosis is a progressive disease.  In other words, your symptoms may become worse over time.  If you develop silicosis from working on a dust-filled job, you should not be burdened with expensive medical bills.

Let us help.  To talk to a lawyer about your potential silicosis claims, please fill out your questionnaire for a free case evaluation at Contact Us | Carter Law Group (clgtrial.com)

For more information about silicosis generally, please visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s webpage regarding silica safety at Silica, Crystalline – Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)