Is Quartz the New Asbestos?

For decades, asbestos exposure quietly harmed construction workers long before the public understood its dangers. Today, a similar pattern may be emerging.  This time, it involves quartz countertops and silica dust.

Massachusetts health officials recently confirmed the state’s first case of silicosis in a stone countertop worker, an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust. While this is the first confirmed case in that state, public health authorities warn it is unlikely to be the last due to the disease’s long latency period and the growing popularity of engineered stone.

This development raises important health, safety, and legal questions for workers across the construction and fabrication industries.

Understanding Silicosis and Quartz Exposure

Silicosis is a progressive and irreversible lung disease caused by inhaling fine particles of crystalline silica. Over time, these particles scar lung tissue, making breathing increasingly difficult and reducing oxygen intake.

Workers most at risk include those who cut, grind, polish, or fabricate stone materials, particularly engineered stone such as quartz, which can contain over 90% silica, compared to significantly lower levels in natural granite.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Chest pain

Because symptoms may not appear until many years after exposure, diagnosis is often delayed.

Why Engineered Stone Raises New Concerns

Quartz countertops have surged in popularity due to their durability and appearance. However, public health officials have noted an increase in silicosis cases among stone fabrication workers nationwide.

In Australia, the risks were considered so severe that engineered stone has been banned entirely, while the United States has yet to enact similar nationwide restrictions. Instead, responsibility largely falls on employers to implement protective measures such as wet cutting, ventilation systems, and proper respiratory protection.

Despite these known safeguards, cases continue to emerge.

A Familiar Pattern: Silica Today, Asbestos Yesterday

The parallels between silica exposure and asbestos injuries are difficult to ignore:

• Long latency periods before symptoms appear
• Occupational exposure as the primary cause
• Preventable risks when proper safety measures are used
• Widespread use of materials before full consequences were recognized

Asbestos litigation reshaped construction safety standards over decades. Silica exposure may follow a similar trajectory as awareness grows and more workers receive diagnoses.

Health and Legal Implications for Workers

From a legal perspective, silica exposure may intersect with:

• Workers’ compensation claims
• Occupational disease classifications
• Employer safety obligations
• Product warnings and industry standards

Importantly, silicosis is considered almost exclusively work-related, making occupational exposure a critical factor in evaluating both medical and legal options.  Workers experiencing respiratory symptoms who have a history of stone cutting or fabrication should ensure silica exposure is considered during medical evaluations.

Final Thoughts

Silicosis is not a relic of the past. It is a modern occupational hazard re-emerging in today’s construction and fabrication industries.

History teaches us that ignoring early warning signs can have devastating consequences for workers and their families. Awareness, prevention, and timely evaluation are essential steps in protecting those who build and shape our communities.

About This Article

This blog is based on reporting originally published by Fox News, written by Bonny Chu, and public statements from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

If you have concerns about workplace exposure or occupational lung disease, consider speaking with a qualified professional about your specific situation.  Winslow Law is here to help.