Episode 5: Artificial Stone vs Natural Stone

In this episode of From Dust to Verdict, host James Nevin, partner at Brayton Purcell LLP, takes listeners deep into the science behind why artificial stone is allegedly far more hazardous to fabrication workers than natural stone. Although countertops may appear identical to the consumer, the silica content and dust created during the fabrication of artificial stone slabs tell a very different story.

Nevin begins by revisiting the NIOSH hierarchy of controls, a framework designed to protect workers. While these controls are relatively effective for natural stone, they fall short when applied to artificial stone. He highlights extensive peer-reviewed published research from Dr. Chandnee Ramkissoon in Australia and Dr. Chaolong Qi at NIOSH, who demonstrate that even advanced engineering controls—such as water sprays, ventilation, and PPE—cannot keep silica dust levels from artificial stone below the permissible exposure limit (PEL).

The discussion then unpacks three key factors driving the danger of artificial stone:

1. Extremely high silica content (90–95%) compared to most natural stone.
2. Nano-sized silica particles, created during the manufacturing of artificial stone slabs, which bypass both masks and the body’s natural defenses and embed deep in the lungs.
3. Toxic additives and coatings such as metals and volatile organic compounds, which amplify the damage when inhaled.

Nevin contrasts this with natural stone, where larger particle sizes and benign coatings often limit harm—even in high-silica varieties like quartzite. The result is a clear picture of why workers fabricating artificial stone are developing accelerated silicosis at alarming rates.

Closing the episode, Nevin underscores the misinformation from manufacturers who continue to claim that natural stone safety measures apply equally to artificial stone—a claim that published peer-reviewed research proves dangerously false.

This compelling and fact-driven discussion sheds light on an ongoing occupational health crisis, urging accountability and change on the part of manufacturers and suppliers to stem the epidemic of accelerated silicosis in workers in the stone fabrication industry.