Massachusetts Man Dies from Lung Disease Linked to Kitchen Countertop Materials

Massachusetts health officials have confirmed the state’s first case of silicosis, an incurable lung disease linked to exposure from engineered stone countertops, particularly those made of quartz. A 40-year-old man who has worked in the stone countertop industry for 14 years received the diagnosis recently, according to an announcement Tuesday from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).

“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 the DPH.

The patient, whose name was not released, regularly performed activities that generate crystalline silica dust, including cutting, grinding, and polishing stone. When inhaled, this dust causes scarring of lung tissue, leading to silicosis. Health officials emphasized that while the disease is preventable, it is irreversible and progressive once contracted.

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

The risk of developing silicosis exists when handling any natural stones, such as granite, but is particularly high when working with engineered stone products like quartz. Natural granite typically contains less than 45% silica, while engineered stone can contain more than 90%, substantially increasing the exposure risk for workers.

“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,” the DPH reported. Quartz countertops have gained significant market share in home construction and renovation due to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and practical benefits.

Massachusetts officials anticipate more cases will emerge due to the disease’s long latency period and the growing popularity of engineered stone in residential and commercial applications. This case parallels findings in other states, including a concerning 2023 study from California that identified 52 quartz countertop workers with silicosis. Among those cases, twenty had advanced disease and ten died from complications.

The health risks associated with engineered stone have prompted regulatory action internationally. Australia has implemented a complete ban on all work involving engineered stone due to the severe health risks it poses to workers. Other countries are pursuing stronger regulations on the industry, while the United States has yet to enact an outright ban on quartz for kitchen applications.

Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein emphasized the preventable nature of the disease, stating, “Silicosis is a devastating, life-altering disease – and one that is also absolutely preventable.”

The DPH has issued an alert urging employers in the stone countertop fabrication industry to implement effective safety measures. These include wet cutting techniques to reduce airborne dust and proper ventilation systems to minimize silica exposure in the workplace.

The case highlights the growing health concerns within the engineered stone industry, which has expanded rapidly as consumer preferences have shifted toward quartz and other engineered materials. The stone fabrication sector employs thousands of workers across Massachusetts and nationwide who may be at risk without proper safety protocols.

Health experts recommend that workers in the industry undergo regular health screenings and use appropriate personal protective equipment. They also advise consumers to be aware of the manufacturing conditions behind their home improvement materials, though the risk to homeowners with installed countertops is considered minimal compared to the occupational hazards faced by workers.