A new trend in kitchen design is raising alarms about public health, following the first confirmed death from the preventable yet incurable disease, silicosis.
The Massachusetts Department of Health announced on Tuesday that a man in his 40s had succumbed to silicosis, marking the state’s first fatality from the illness. Silicosis primarily affects workers who inhale fine dust particles of silica, a mineral found in certain stones.
Silicosis is commonly associated with the manufacturing sector, particularly impacting those involved in the production of quartz kitchen countertops.
This disease can lead to severe health problems, presenting symptoms like shortness of breath and fever, and potentially resulting in more serious conditions such as lung cancer and tuberculosis.
“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,” health officials stated in their advisory.
The deceased worker had been employed in the kitchen countertop industry for 14 years, with his diagnosis emerging only when his health significantly declined.
Authorities suspect that there are additional undiagnosed cases in the community, prompting them to issue an alert to raise awareness and advocate for preventive measures among employers.
Silicosis often goes undiagnosed until substantial lung damage from silica dust has occurred. The disease tends to develop after prolonged exposure to the dust.
Officials indicated, “most cases of silicosis are work-related – it is very rare for silicosis to occur outside of workplace exposure.”
This lethal illness is caused by tiny silica particles generated when working with materials like quartz, sandstone, and engineered stone. These particles are inhaled into the lungs, penetrating deep into the tissue and obstructing the alveoli from efficiently exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Symptoms may include breathlessness, coughing, and fever, along with possible cyanosis as the body’s oxygen levels drop.
As the condition progresses, it can cause chest pain, limb swelling, and persistent breathlessness. There is no cure, and those diagnosed are advised against working with stone again.
The Massachusetts health department cautioned that the disease has become more common among stone fabrication workers due to the popularity of engineered stone countertops.
However, instead of advocating for a ban on these materials as implemented in Australia, health officials emphasized that the disease is preventable with appropriate safety measures.
Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein remarked, “Silicosis is a devastating, life-altering disease and one that is also absolutely preventable.”
Preventive measures include using respirators when working with stone and employing techniques such as wet cutting and wet cleaning to minimize airborne silica particles.