A Massachusetts man has died after being diagnosed with an incurable lung disease tied to exposure from certain countertop materials.
Health officials announced Tuesday that the state confirmed its first case of silicosis linked to quartz, a material that has grown increasingly popular for its durability and appearance. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) said the patient, a 40-year-old man who worked in the stone countertop industry for 14 years, was diagnosed with silicosis, a potentially fatal lung 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,” Emily H. Sparer-Fine, a director at DPH, said in a statement.
The man reportedly spent years cutting, grinding, and polishing stone — tasks that produce crystalline silica dust. When inhaled, the particles scar lung tissue and can lead to silicosis, according to health officials.
The disease is preventable but irreversible and progressive. Symptoms include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and often appear years after exposure, leading to delayed diagnosis. As it progresses, silicosis can cause severe complications such as lung cancer, tuberculosis, and death.
DPH noted that most silicosis cases are work-related and rarely occur outside occupational exposure.
Officials said the risk exists when handling natural stone like granite, but it is especially high with engineered stone such as quartz. While natural granite typically contains under 45% silica, engineered stone can contain more than 90%.
“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 department reported.
Other states have documented similar cases. A 2023 California study identified 52 quartz countertop workers with silicosis; 20 had advanced disease and 10 died.
Despite the severity, quartz has not been banned in U.S. kitchens. Australia, however, has banned all engineered stone work due to the risks, and other countries are pursuing stricter regulations.
DPH emphasizes that silicosis is completely preventable through proper workplace safety measures, including wet cutting and adequate ventilation to reduce silica dust exposure.
“Silicosis is a devastating, life-altering disease and one that is also absolutely preventable,” Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said.
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