Are you thinking about upgrading your kitchen with a stunning stone countertop?

You might want to think again! DIY enthusiasts are being issued urgent warnings regarding the installation of stone countertops at home, as the alarming rise in a deadly health condition comes to light.

In the past decade, engineered stone countertops, particularly quartz surfaces, have surged in popularity, resulting in an astonishing 800% increase in quartz imports to the U.S. from 2010 to 2018. However, this trend has had severe consequences. Cutting these stones releases hazardous dust that can lead to a devastating condition known as silicosis, often referred to as "black lung." This effectively poses a life-threatening risk that can leave sufferers grappling with crippling respiratory issues and a painful cough.

Urgent Warnings from Health Experts

Afif El-Hasan, a spokesperson for the American Lung Association, urges those embarking on DIY countertop projects to prioritize their lung health and take protective measures akin to professionals in the construction industry. He stated, "Take this work seriously. Just as a construction worker values their lung health, you should too."

Safety Measures for Cutting Quartz Countertops

To safely cut quartz countertops, specialists recommend using circular saws equipped with diamond-tipped blades. But safety doesn’t end there. Experts strongly advise wearing a tight-fitting N95 respirator mask, specifically designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles—although it’s worth noting that these masks aren’t effective against oil-based contaminants. Eye protection is equally essential, as airborne dust can cause serious harm to your vision.

The noise generated during stone cutting is significant, making the use of ear protection a necessity as well. These safety measures are crucial given that construction workers are already facing soaring cases of silicosis, with more than 300 U.S. workers succumbing to it annually, while thousands more are receiving diagnoses.

Misdiagnosis and Changing Demographics

Worryingly, the California Department of Industrial Relations has indicated that silicosis is frequently misdiagnosed, implying that the actual number of cases could be far higher. Historically associated with older men in industries such as mining and tunneling, the profile of silicosis victims is changing as younger workers, including many in their 30s and 40s, are facing grim prognoses—often only living about ten more years after diagnosis.

The Allure and Risks of Engineered Quartz

Despite the allure of engineered quartz due to its glossy finish and competitive pricing compared to natural stone, it's critical to understand the serious risks associated with its installation. Engineered stone typically consists of 90% ground quartz and 10% resins and pigments, and may contain levels of crystalline silica comparable to that found in asbestos—a notorious health threat.

Legal Actions Against Stone Manufacturers

El-Hasan emphatically stresses the importance of knowing the chemicals involved before diving into any DIY projects. While once the countertops are installed, they pose no health hazards to homeowners, the process of cutting and shaping them is fraught with danger.

In light of these health risks, a growing number of victims, particularly construction workers, are now taking legal action against stone manufacturers for not safeguarding their health. A notable case involves Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez from California, who underwent a double lung transplant after his work fitting luxury kitchens led to silicosis. Recently, he was awarded at least $8 million in damages, heralding a potential wave of similar lawsuits from the nearly 300 other workers his lawyer represents.

Public Health Crisis: Silicosis Among Fabricators

With a staggering 92% prevalence rate of silicosis among fabricators, this issue isn't just a case of bad luck—it's an urgent public health crisis. As we become increasingly aware of the dangers lurking in seemingly harmless DIY projects, one question remains: Can you truly afford to take the risk?