We’ve apparently invented an artificial stone that, when cut, functions as a kind of Super Asbestos.
So, you know, watch out for that.
Nononono silica dust is a known and common hazard in construction and manufacturing. This is deliberate and horrifying neglect on the part of these employers. They could have properly implemented engineering controls, they could have required respirators on the shop floor. What you call “super asbestos” (silica dust) has been killing people for centuries, as long as people have been stonemasons really. OSHA has strict standards regarding the PEL for silica dust, but there is a dangerous lack of awareness and enforcement of safety protocols. This is not some new horror of the culture of capitalism, this is ordinary and awful and age old neglect.
OSHA professional here with a “yes, and.” (not to correct but to add context for those who are less familiar.)
it IS neglect, absolutely, but also, “engineered quartz”/“manufactured stone” is an industry term for a specific product. I would argue that there IS no safe way to work with this product as it’s used now.
there are shops that cut the stone wet - which is more expensive but produces considerably less dust. the problem is the physical makeup of manufactured stone, which has MUCH higher amounts of silica than products that have been regulated in the past - think 93% silica. respirators do not cut it when the concentration is so high and any amount of exposure is dangerous. (PPE, personal protective equipment like respirators, should be a last resort for any hazards that cannot be mitigated in the working environment - so, in this case, they are necessary but not sufficient.) it is very common for construction job sites to skirt existing regulation, particularly smaller shops, but even when regulations are being followed, medical consensus is that there is no safe level of silica exposure.
this product has existed since the 60s. the issue is that its marketing as a designer product in kitchens has driven its uptake significantly over the past decade or so.
ALT
I want to be clear without overstating the danger. silicosis permanently disables you, accumulating damage before symptoms become evident. when you breathe in silica particles, they lodge in your lungs and cannot be cleared out by coughing. over time, the silica particles cause permanent scarring in your lungs which inhibits your ability to absorb oxygen. once the scarring has occurred, it cannot be undone. if you continue to be exposed, the body produces mucus to protect the lungs, which can eventually suffocate and kill you. treatment is solely based on symptoms management and trying to prevent the condition worsening. the only option for recovery is to get on the list for a lung transplant and hope your body doesn’t reject it. silicosis is incurable.
silicosis deaths were dropping in the US, from 1,065 in 1968 to 165 in 2004. however, they are now climbing among certain sectors of the workforce.
the australian government recently banned “quartz”/“manufactured stone” as a construction product, based mostly on aggressive pressure and boycott threats from ALL the construction labor unions, starting with the stonemasons. this was not a sure thing, given significant lobbying against a total ban from well-financed manufacturing companies. the ban goes into effect on July 1, 2024.
industry lobbyists in the US are working overtime to make sure we don’t follow suit. they’ve started in California. their tactic is to blame fabricators for not following safety guidelines (i.e., it’s THEIR fault OUR product is killing their workers), and advocate for legislation reducing the percentage of silica in manufactured quartz products, in order to avoid an outright ban. my personal take, I agree with australia’s decision. don’t expect businesses to do the right thing, especially when we know the “right thing” isn’t always enough. manufactured quartz is a luxury good - luxury in the sense of nonessential. if this product is killing people in their workplaces, ban the product.
ALT