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Massachusetts reports its first case of silicosisA fatal and incurable lung disease spread by dust generated when making stone countertops.
The state Department of Public Health said a 40-year-old Hispanic man was diagnosed with the progressive condition earlier this year after ingesting respirable crystalline silica, a naturally occurring mineral in quartz and granite countertops.
The man, who was not identified, had worked for two stone countertop fabrication and installation companies for a total of 14 years.
He cut and shaped quartz, granite, marble and ceramic for both companies, but his first workplace at age 12 was very dusty, wet stone cutting methods were not used routinely and were given thin surgical masks to wear while working.
“After working at that company for about ten years, he began to cough and have trouble breathing. These symptoms persisted, and four years later – after numerous medical visits and tests – he was diagnosed with silicosis.” the department said,
The case has prompted officials to issue a safety warning to employers this week.
“Silicosis is a devastating, life-altering disease – and it is completely preventable,” said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. statement“Massachusetts employers in those industries have a responsibility to protect their workforce, including from harmful airborne dust,”
“No worker should suffer from chronic and fatal lung disease or potentially die from preventable on-the-job exposure,” he said.
People suffering from silicosis often develop symptoms after years of exposure, such as shortness of breath, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, fever, weakness, swollen legs and blue lips. Infection increases the risk of lung cancer and other deadly lung diseases like tuberculosis.
According to the American Lung Association, it may take several visits to doctors to diagnose the disease. The doctor will listen to and examine the patient’s lungs, perform an X-ray or CT scan, perform a lung biopsy or even send a tube with a video camera into the windpipe and lungs.
There are several risk factors for silicosis that both patients and doctors can take into account.
Most cases of silicosis in the US and around the world are work-related.
Silicosis has historically been associated with construction and mining. The disease has become more prevalent among stone workers due to the increase in popularity of quartz stone countertops. more than 90 percent silica Compared to less than 45 percent in granite.
The first case in the US was identified in Texas in 2014. Since then, dozens of deaths have occurred in other states, most recently cases in michiganWashington, Wisconsin and california,
California’s own health department has issued several health advisories related to silicosis this year.
In November the department said the state had seen 432 cases confirmedAt least 25 deaths and 48 related lung transplants since 2019. Lung transplants cannot cure silicosis, but do offer a chance of extended life.
Massachusetts health officials said Hispanic or Latino demographics make up the majority of stone workers and that most workers suffering from silicosis are relatively young, male, and Hispanic or Latino.
Although silicosis is incurable, it is also preventable. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration says workers can stay safe by using wet cutting and effective dust control methods, wearing proper respirators, using HEPA-filtered vacuums to reduce dust in the air, tracking silica dust levels in the workplace, making sure work is done in well-ventilated areas, and getting periodic checkups from qualified health care providers.
Early diagnosis can help slow the progression of the disease.
“The confirmation of this case in Massachusetts is a sad reminder that silicosis is not just a distant threat – it is here, and it is having a serious impact on the health of workers in Massachusetts,” said Emily Sperrer-Fine, director of the department’s Occupational Health Surveillance Program.