In March 2025, an important review on silicosis and other diseases related to silica among stone countertop fabricators was published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology. Authored by Dr. Jane C. Fazio, Dr. Karoly Viragh, Dr. Jenny Houlroyd, and Dr. Sheiphali A. Gandhi, this comprehensive study draws attention to the rising epidemic of silicosis, particularly in relation to engineered stone materials.
The authors come from diverse backgrounds that enhance the review’s insights: Dr. Fazio has diagnosed multiple silicosis cases among fabricators; Dr. Viragh conducts essential radiographic analyses; Dr. Houlroyd specializes in industrial hygiene, focusing on exposure monitoring; and Dr. Gandhi has encountered similar cases in Northern California. Together, their expertise sheds light on this crucial public health issue.
The Rising Concerns of Engineered Stone Silicosis
Silicosis is a chronic lung disease from inhaling respirable crystalline silica. With engineered stone containing 90-95% silica, countertop fabricators face a heightened risk. The review details how engineered stone silicosis has surged, especially during fabrication processes. From 2000 to 2025, cases among countertop fabricators increased by more than 60%, visibly mirroring the rising adoption of engineered stone in kitchens and bathrooms across homes.
As engineered stone gains popularity for its aesthetics and strength, the related health risks must be taken seriously. Fabricators should understand that with almost one in three surveyed workers reporting respiratory issues linked to their trade, the urgency is clear.
Manufacturing and Fabrication Processes
The review outlines the intricate processes of engineered stone production, emphasizing how exposure happens. The process starts with mining raw materials, which generates significant dust—this dust is a primary source of respirable crystalline silica.
After extraction, the stone is mixed with resins and dyes, possibly leading to more harmful dust emissions. During countertop fabrication—cutting, polishing, and finishing—each step adds to the risk of silica exposure. These revelations underline the need for strong safety protocols and regulatory measures to protect workers from silica hazards, especially considering fabrication environments often have dust levels exceeding permissible limits.
Health Effects of Silica Exposure
Dr. Fazio and her colleagues explain the health implications of inhaling silica particles. Silicosis can vary from a chronic condition that takes years to develop to acute silicosis, which occurs after short but intense exposure.
Statistics reveal a shocking reality: studies show that approximately 10-20% of those with silicosis may develop lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). More research is needed, but the link between prolonged silica exposure and autoimmune disorders is becoming increasingly relevant. These findings stress the importance of proactive measures to safeguard fabricators’ health.
Preventative Measures and Control Methods
The review offers practical preventative strategies and control methods rooted in industry best practices. Wet cutting techniques are one method that has been proven to reduce dust and silica exposure by up to 50%. Improving workspace environments with local exhaust ventilation systems can further minimize airborne silica, making a significant difference in worker safety.
Personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly properly fitted respirators, is not just recommended but essential. Training workers on the correct use of these safety measures is vital to ensure they are effective in reducing exposure to harmful silica.
Regulatory Landscape
A vital part of the review discusses the regulatory framework in the United States and Australia. In 2024, Australia took a significant step by banning the import and use of engineered stone materials due to escalating health risks linked to silicosis. The review explores how the introduction of similar regulations in the U.S. could offer better protection for workers, particularly as evidence mounts of increased health risks.
The authors advocate for stronger regulations. Existing guidelines related to silica exposure need stricter enforcement, promoting a proactive approach to ensuring worker health and safety.
A Call to Action for Worker Safety
The comprehensive review by Dr. Fazio, Dr. Viragh, Dr. Houlroyd, and Dr. Gandhi is a compelling invitation for increased awareness and improvement regarding silicosis and other diseases caused by silica among countertop fabricators. With the growing use of engineered stone, understanding its health risks is essential. Effective safety measures must be adopted promptly.
This review offers a clear picture of the situation and suggests actionable steps toward improving health protections for workers in the industry. It is imperative that all stakeholders—industry leaders, workers, and policymakers—make the health and safety of countertop fabricators a priority.
For those interested in delving deeper into this significant issue, the complete citation for the review is as follows:
Fazio JC, Viragh K, Houlroyd J, Gandhi SA, “A review of silicosis and other silica-related diseases in the engineered stone countertop processing industry,” J. Occup. Med. Toxicol. 2025; Article No. 9, and is available online at [insert link here].
This review not only reflects current understanding but also encourages ongoing conversations, further research, and cooperative actions to protect the health of workers in this vital industry. The well-being of countertop fabricators impacts not just the workplace but the broader community, warranting focused attention and decisive action from all involved parties.