Episode 2: The Hidden Dangers of Artificial Stone

From Dust to Verdict is a podcast dedicated to the new epidemic of accelerated silicosis in artificial stone countertop fabrication workers hosted by James Nevin at Brayton Purcell LLP. 

This episode focuses on the alleged severe health risks posed by artificial stone (also known as engineered, composite, or synthetic stone), particularly for fabrication workers. It explains how the composition and fabrication process of artificial stone contributes to a growing epidemic of accelerated silicosis.

What Is Artificial Stone?

Artificial stone is designed to resemble natural materials like granite or marble but is manmade. It typically contains 90-95% crystalline silica, significantly more than natural stone materials such as:

• Granite (~45% silica)
• Slate (~30%)
• Porcelain (~15%)
• Marble (~3%)
• Limestone (~2%) 

In artificial stone, the silica particles are much smaller (nano-sized) than those found in natural stone because the quartz used as the primary material is pulverized before manufacturing. 

The product is a slab that appears similar to natural stone but is alleged to be far more hazardous when cut, polished, or drilled. 

The Fabrication Process and Its Dangers

Like natural stone, artificial stone must be fabricated (cut, drilled, and polished) before installation. This fabrication process becomes dangerous because:

• It releases nano-sized silica dust, which is easily inhaled.
• Traditional protective measures used for natural stone (e.g., N95 masks or wet tools) are insufficient for artificial stone.
• Workers are often not warned or trained on these new risks.

Fabricators often use wet methods (like wet saws), which were previously assumed to reduce dust exposure. However, published peer reviewed studies now show that even wet methods fail to reduce exposure below OSHA's Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for silica when fabricating artificial stone.

Scientific Studies & Global Evidence

Numerous studies have confirmed the danger of artificial stone:

NIOSH, OSHA, and Cal/OSHA all document excessive exposure levels.

Georgia Tech, Safe Work Australia, and a recent Yale University study (funded by industry groups) all found that silica exposure during artificial stone fabrication exceeds the PELs, even with dust control measures.

These findings reveal that even outdated PELs-based on natural stone-are regularly exceeded by artificial stone dust exposure.

The result is a global pandemic of accelerated silicosis, a rapidly-progressing, fatal lung disease that first emerged in countries like Israel, Spain, and Australia-and is now widespread among U.S artificial stone fabricators.

Impact in California and the U.S.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) now tracks silicosis cases through an online dashboard. Key statistics from California alone (as of 7/18/25) include:

• 327 confirmed cases of artificial stone-related silicosis
• 17 deaths
• 35 lung transplants performed
• Median age of affected workers: 46 years old
• 98% of those diagnosed are Latino

These statistics underscore the growing occupational health crisis affecting a vulnerable workforce.

Looking Ahead in the Podcast

Future episodes will cover:

• The differences between accelerated and traditional silicosis
• Additional diseases linked to artificial stone fabrication
• Prevention strategies, treatment options, and legal remedies through lawsuits

This series continues to expose the hidden health hazards of artificial stone and the industry's failure to protect workers from a now well-documented and deadly disease.

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