​Silicosis

Información en Español​: ​Fabricantes de Encimeras y Enfermedad Pulmonar​

Crystalli​​​ne silica is found in many materials, including sand, concrete, glass, natural stone, and engineered stone. Small silica dus​​t particles are created when workers cut, saw, grind, drill, or crush these materials. When these small particles of silica dust get in the air, they can be breathed into the lungs and cause silicosis. ​

Silicosis is an incurable lung disease that can lead to disability and death. Silica dust can also cause lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease and autoimmune disease.

​​In recent years, many cases of silicosis have been identified in workers who cut and finish countertops made of engineered stone (also called quartz). Engineered stone has very high levels of silica and working with it is dangerous. Appropriate protections such as wet cutting methods, adequate ventilation, and respiratory protection must be used when working with this material.​