/PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Brayton Purcell LLP draws attention to an article recently published in The Conversationwhich highlights the significant health risks associated with artificial stone countertops, a product widely sold by major US retailers.
The article, written by occupational health specialists Dr. Robert Harrison and Dr. David Michaels, is titled“Quartz countertops are driving a public health crisis in the US – 2 occupational health experts explain the rise in lung transplants and lawsuits.”Examines the increasing number of serious illnesses among workers who manufacture artificial stone surfaces.
According to the authors, large home improvement retailers play a key role in the distribution of these products. As they explain: “If you walk into a Costco, Home Depot, or Lowe’s and order a countertop for your kitchen renovation, the store will likely contract with a local manufacturing store…instructing them to make one out of a material called engineered stone.”
Brayton Purcell LLP highlights this report to help raise awareness of the risks faced by people working with artificial stone, which is commonly marketed as “quartz.” These products contain at least 90% crystalline silica, along with approximately 10% other toxins such as dyes, glues and resins known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
During manufacturing, workers who cut and polish artificial stone are exposed to extremely fine, nanometer-sized respirable crystalline silica particles. In their article, Dr. Harrison and Dr. Michaels emphasize the consequences of this exposure, noting that workers “are at risk of developing a terrible disease that destroys their lungs.”
The condition most closely associated with this exposure is silicosis, a progressive and irreversible lung disease. The authors report that in California alone, more than 550 workers have been diagnosed with silicosis related to artificial stone manufacturing. At least 100 have undergone or are awaiting lung transplants, and at least 30 have died between 2019 and 2026.
In addition to underscoring the seriousness of the problem, the authors write that when artificial stone is manufactured, “billions of very small crystalline silica particles are released…”, which are then inhaled by workers. Furthermore, they note that even compliance with existing occupational exposure limits “is not sufficient to protect workers from the extreme toxic effects” associated with this material.
Brayton Purcell LLP also draws attention to the growing body of scientific literature on the topic. More than 100 peer-reviewed studies have shown that artificial crystalline silica stone cannot be safely manufactured by humans, regardless of the safety measures implemented.
The article also identifies an expanding national and global pattern, with thousands of cases reported in several countries as the use of artificial stone increases. In the United States, the problem has also led to a growing number of legal claims filed by affected workers.
“Consumers are largely unaware of what is involved in bringing these products into their homes,” said James Nevin, partner at Brayton Purcell LLP. “By highlighting this article, we aim to provide greater visibility into the real-world impact on workers and the serious health consequences related to exposure to artificial stone dust.”
With more than 700 clients affected by artificial stone silicosis, Brayton Purcell LLP has extensive experience representing individuals and families affected by occupational diseases, including those associated with silica exposure. The firm is committed to informing the public about emerging health risks and supporting those seeking to better understand their legal rights.
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Brayton Purcell LLP is a law firm with a long-standing focus on representing people affected by occupational illnesses and toxic exposures. The firm’s attorneys are experienced, accomplished, and dedicated to advocating for workers and families affected by serious workplace-related illnesses.
Read the full article by Dr. Robert Harrison and Dr. DavidMichaels:https://theconversation.com/quartz-countertops-are-driving-a-public-health-crisis-in-the-us-2-occupational-health-experts-explain-the-surge-of-lung-transplants-and-lawsuits-284888
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