Brayton Purcell LLP Reports On New Medical Review Highlighting Rising Health Crisis Among Artificial Stone Workers

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Comprehensive Analysis Exposes Severe Lung Diseases from Artificial Stone Dust Exposure

NOVATO, Calif., March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new medical review published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology has uncovered a troubling rise in accelerated silicosis and other serious lung diseases among artificial stone workers. The analysis, led by Dr. Jane C. Fazio and colleagues Dr. Karoly Viragh, Dr. Jenny Houlroyd and Dr. Sheiphali A. Gandhi, highlights the health risks associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and other toxic dust, which is released during the fabrication of high-silica artificial stone countertops.

Silicosis is a progressive and incurable lung disease that occurs when inhaled silica dust causes lung scarring. Traditionally, silicosis was seen in industries such as mining and construction, where workers were exposed to silica over decades. However, this study found that artificial stone fabricators—who work with materials containing more than 90% silica—are developing accelerated and acute forms of silicosis in as little as two to ten years of exposure.

With no known cure and limited treatment options, accelerated silicosis leads to severe disability and, in advanced cases, the need for lung transplantation. This study provides critical new anlysis on the impact of artificial stone fabrication and the serious health risks facing workers in this industry.

Key Findings from the Study

Sharp Increase in Severe Silicosis Cases

• Artificial stone workers have a significantly higher risk of developing advanced silicosis compared to other silica-exposed industries.
• Up to 40% of artificial stone workers in some regions have been diagnosed with progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), the most severe form of silicosis.
• PMF leads to extensive lung scarring, respiratory failure, and a significantly reduced life expectancy.

Rapid Disease Progression

• Unlike chronic silicosis, which typically develops after decades of exposure, artificial stone workers are experiencing accelerated forms of the disease within just a few years.
• Some cases of acute silicosis—caused by high levels of silica exposure in a short time—have developed within months.
• Many workers with PMF are experiencing severe respiratory decline and are being evaluated for lung transplants.

Additional Health Risks

• In addition to silicosis, artificial stone workers are facing increased rates of:
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Lung cancer
• Autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), and lupus
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and renal failure
• The study also notes that misdiagnosis is common. Many cases of accelerated silicosis have initially been mistaken for sarcoidosis or tuberculosis, delaying proper treatment.

Understanding the Health Impacts of Silica Exposure

The high silica content in artificial stone and the fabrication process—particularly cutting, grinding, and polishing—generate enormous amounts of nano-sized particles of silica dust. When inhaled, these tiny particles embed deep into the lungs, causing inflammation, fibrosis, and irreversible lung damage.

While traditional silicosis progresses slowly over decades, artificial stone workers experience much higher exposure levels, leading to faster and more severe disease progression. In many cases, the disease continues to worsen even after exposure stops, making early detection critical.

Because silicosis is a progressive disease with no cure, treatment is limited to symptom management, oxygen therapy, and lung transplantation for end-stage cases. Early diagnosis can help slow progression and improve outcomes, but many workers are diagnosed too late to prevent serious complications.

To view the full study, please visit https://braytonlaw.com/engineered-stone-silicosis-medical-journal-articles/

Legal and Medical Considerations for Affected Workers

As awareness of this growing health crisis increases, artificial stone workers diagnosed with silicosis, lung cancer, or other silica-related illnesses may be entitled to compensation. Workers were not adequately warned about the risks of artificial stone dust exposure by manufacturers or suppliers.

Brayton Purcell LLP has spent decades advocating for workers suffering from occupational lung diseases. Our experienced attorneys are committed to helping artificial stone workers and their families seek justice. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with silicosis, lung cancer, or another silica-related condition, you may be eligible for significant financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Early diagnosis is critical. Get the legal support you need today.

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SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP