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Specialists warn of invisible risks in the workplace and reveal how quartz, widely used in countertops, can trigger a progressive and incurable disease after years of exposure
In recent years, a material widely present in modern kitchens has become the center of an international debate involving occupational health, workplace safety, and industrial responsibility. Although valued for its aesthetics and durability, the quartz used in countertops has been associated with an increase in cases of a severe and irreversible lung disease: silicosis.
The information was disclosed by “The New York Times,” which revealed a significant increase in the number of diagnoses among workers responsible for cutting, shaping, and installing this type of material. Furthermore, the issue gained even greater proportions when it reached the United States Congress, where a bill that could profoundly alter legal responsibility regarding the product is already under review.
The invisible work behind modern countertops
Before reaching homes, quartz undergoes an industrial process that requires precision, physical effort, and, primarily, constant exposure to invisible risks. Initially, large slabs of artificial stone are sent to specialized workshops, where professionals use saws and sanders to shape the material according to the design.
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During this process, detailed cuts are made for the fitting of sinks, faucets, and custom finishes. However, at the same time, an extremely fine dust is released into the environment. This dust contains silica — a mineral present in quartz — which, when inhaled, can have serious health consequences.
Over time, these microscopic particles settle in the lungs. In response, the body attempts to combat them, generating a continuous inflammatory process. Consequently, lung tissue begins to develop scars, progressively reducing the worker’s respiratory capacity.
This silent process results in silicosis, a progressive, disabling, and incurable disease.
Real cases expose the impact of the disease among workers
As diagnoses increase, real stories begin to illustrate the severity of the problem. One of the cited cases involves Jeff Rose, 55, who worked for years sculpting countertops in Georgetown, Kentucky.
He described the work as something that required creativity and manual skill — characteristics he has always valued. However, today he lives with silicosis and can no longer practice his profession. “I love being creative with my hands. I can’t do that anymore,” he reported.
Moreover, the impact of the disease has also affected his family. His son, Skyler, 30, followed the same profession and was also diagnosed with silicosis, highlighting a concerning pattern among workers in the sector.
Another relevant case is that of Wade Hanicker, 39, who started working with countertop cutting in Florida about 15 years ago. According to him, many workshops operated under precarious conditions, often filled with dust.
“Many times we cut dry,” he stated, referring to the process carried out without the use of water — a technique that could significantly reduce dust dispersion.
Currently, Hanicker also lives with the disease, which has compromised his physical capacity and brought other health complications.
Alarming data and warnings from health specialists
Based on data from the California Department of Public Health, cited by the report, 512 cases of silicosis linked to artificial stone have been recorded since 2019, along with 29 confirmed deaths.
In light of this scenario, doctors have begun to identify patterns among patients. Pulmonologist Jane C. Fazio, from the Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, noticed that many consultations had something in common: the professional history.
“They all gave the same answer: they work with countertops,” she stated.
Additionally, specialists warn that the actual number of cases may be even higher. This is because silicosis can take years to manifest after initial exposure, making early diagnosis difficult.
Consequently, the problem may be underestimated — which increases the concern of authorities and health professionals.
Legal disputes, million-dollar compensations, and debate in Congress
With the increase in diagnoses, there has also been a significant rise in lawsuits against manufacturers and distributors of the material. In 2024, for example, a jury in Los Angeles ordered the payment of $52.4 million to a former worker affected by the disease.
On the other hand, the industry argues that the material is safe when handled correctly. Rebecca Shult, legal director of the manufacturer Cambria, stated in testimony to Congress that the problem lies in the working conditions.
“The problem is in the process, not the product,” she declared during a legislative hearing.
Thus, companies in the sector support a bill that seeks to limit lawsuits against manufacturers, shifting responsibility to workshops and regulatory bodies.
However, occupational health specialists disagree with this approach. Epidemiologist David Michaels, who led the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the U.S. from 2009 to 2017, stated that current silica exposure limits may be outdated.
According to him, the industry should consider safer alternatives, such as materials made from recycled glass.
A growing problem that demands urgent attention
As the debate advances in Washington, workers continue to face the consequences of prolonged exposure to silica dust. Many of them live with severe physical limitations and no prospect of a cure.
At the same time, there is increasing pressure for stricter regulations, better working conditions, and greater awareness of the risks involved.
Thus, what was once seen merely as a modern and sophisticated material for kitchens is now transforming into a global public health issue.
Source: G1
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