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

Massachusetts has confirmed its first case of silicosis, an incurable lung disease linked to exposure to certain countertop stones, particularly quartz. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) reported that a 40-year-old man who has worked in the stone countertop industry for 14 years was recently diagnosed with the potentially fatal condition.

“The confirmation of this case in Massachusetts is a tragic reminder that silicosis is not just a distant threat. It is here, and it is seriously impacting the health of workers in Massachusetts,” said Emily H. Sparer-Fine, a director at DPH.

The patient reportedly performed activities such as cutting, grinding, and polishing, which generate crystalline silica dust. When inhaled, this dust scars lung tissue and can lead to silicosis, according to health officials. The disease is preventable but irreversible and progressive once contracted.

Symptoms of silicosis include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain. The disease often has a long latency period between exposure and symptom onset, which frequently delays diagnosis. As the condition progresses, it can result in serious complications, including lung cancer, tuberculosis, and even death.

“Most cases of silicosis are work-related – it is very rare for silicosis to occur outside of workplace exposure,” the DPH noted in their report.

While the risk exists when handling natural stones like granite, it is especially high when working with engineered stone, commonly known as quartz. The popularity of quartz countertops has surged in recent years due to their practicality and aesthetic appeal, creating a growing health concern in the industry.

Natural granite typically contains less than 45% silica, while engineered stone can contain more than 90%, significantly increasing the risk of silicosis for workers who fabricate and install these materials. The DPH stated, “In recent years, the disease has become more prevalent among stone fabrication workers due to the rise in popularity of countertops made from engineered stone.”

Although this is Massachusetts’ first confirmed case of silicosis in the stone countertop industry, health officials expect more cases to emerge due to the disease’s long latency period and the increasing use of engineered stone. The situation reflects a broader national concern. In a 2023 study, California researchers identified 52 quartz countertop workers with silicosis. Of these cases, 20 had advanced disease and 10 died.

Regulatory approaches to this occupational hazard vary internationally. Australia has implemented a complete ban on work involving engineered stone due to the severe risks it poses to workers. Other countries are pushing for stricter regulations, while the United States has not yet enacted an outright ban on quartz in kitchens.

The Massachusetts DPH emphasizes that silicosis is “absolutely preventable” through proper workplace controls. Their alert urges employers in the stone countertop fabrication industry to implement effective safety measures, such as wet cutting techniques and proper ventilation systems, to minimize silica exposure and protect workers.

“Silicosis is a devastating, life-altering disease and one that is also absolutely preventable,” stated Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein.

The case highlights the critical importance of workplace safety in industries where silica exposure is common. As the popularity of engineered stone countertops continues to grow in American homes, health officials stress the need for stringent safety protocols and increased awareness of the risks associated with silica dust exposure among workers, employers, and consumers alike.