The stone industry, particularly in the fabrication and installation of countertops, faces significant health challenges due to exposure to crystalline silica dust. This issue is especially prevalent with engineered stone, which contains a high percentage of silica. Understanding these risks and implementing effective safety measures is crucial for stone companies and exhibitors to protect their workforce and ensure a safe working environment.

Health Risks of Silica Exposure:
Silicosis is a progressive lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica particles, leading to inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue. This condition is particularly concerning in the stone industry, where workers are frequently exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) during the cutting, grinding, and polishing of stone materials. Engineered stone, which can contain up to 90% silica, poses a higher risk compared to natural stones like granite, which typically contain less silica.

​Sources and Intensity of Exposure:
The primary source of silica exposure in the stone industry is the processing of engineered stone. The use of high-intensity power tools for dry cutting and polishing generates significant amounts of fine silica dust. Studies have shown that engineered stones can produce RCS particles as small as 190 nanometers, which can penetrate deeply into the lungs, causing more severe damage compared to larger particles from natural stones.

Mitigation and Safety Measures: To mitigate these health risks, stone companies and exhibitors can adopt several strategies:

1. Engineering Controls: Implementing wet cutting methods and local exhaust ventilation can significantly reduce dust levels. These measures help to capture and suppress dust at the source, preventing it from becoming airborne.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing workers with appropriate PPE, such as respirators and protective clothing, is essential to protect them from inhaling harmful silica dust.
3. Real-Time Monitoring: Utilizing real-time monitoring devices, such as the AIR XS Silica Monitor, can help in maintaining safe working environments by providing immediate feedback on dust levels.
4. Training and Awareness: Conducting regular training sessions to educate workers about the risks of silica exposure and the importance of using protective measures is crucial. Awareness campaigns can help reinforce the importance of safety protocols.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to regulations set by occupational safety bodies, such as OSHA, which include permissible exposure limits and health screenings, is vital. These standards help ensure that control measures are adequate and effective in protecting workers.
6. Exploring Safer Alternatives: While some companies are promoting reduced-silica or silica-free products, it is important to conduct thorough research to understand the safety of these alternatives fully. Companies should be cautious of claims regarding the safety of new materials and ensure they are backed by scientific evidence.

The stone industry’s health challenges underscore the need for stringent safety measures and regulatory compliance to protect workers from silica-related diseases. By implementing effective dust control strategies, providing proper training, and adhering to safety standards, stone companies can create safer work environments and prevent the adverse health effects associated with silica exposure.

​We will try to cover these awareness topics in our conference sessions at the upcoming StoneTech Canada 2024 Expo. Join us to learn more about safeguarding your workforce and enhancing safety practices in the stone industry.