Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image
Topics: Massachusetts, Health
William Morgan
A rising trend in kitchen design is sparking concerns over public health, as state officials confirm the first death from the preventable but incurable disease called silicosis.
Massachusetts' Department of Health confirmed on Tuesday that a man in his 40s had died with silicosis in a tragic state first, with the life-threatening disease affecting workers who inhale certain forms of stone dust, called silica.
Silicosis is a disease often linked to the manufacturing industry, with people employed in the fabrication of quartz kitchen countertops particularly at risk.
This condition can have fatal complications, causing a general shortness of breath and fever as well as more serious complications, including lung cancer and tuberculosis.
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"The confirmation of this case in Massachusetts is a tragic reminder that silicosis is not just a distant threat. It is here, and it is seriously impacting the health of workers in Massachusetts," the health officials said in their warning.
The worker killed by silicosis was said have worked in the kitchen top manufacturing for 14 years before his death, with his diagnosis only coming as his condition became more serious.
Officials believe that there are likely more undiagnosed cases of the disease out in the community, with the alert being issued to raise public awareness and encourage more preventative action among employers.
Most cases of silicosis are not diagnosed until serious damage has been done to a worker's lungs by the silica dust, with the disease having a delayed onset after repeated exposure to the dangerous powder-like substance.
For this reason, officials said 'most cases of silicosis are work-related – it is very rare for silicosis to occur outside of workplace exposure'.
The deadly disease is caused by tiny silica particles created through working with certain materials like quarts, sandstone, and man-made stone.
This silica is then inhaled into the lungs, where it is able to penetrate deep into lung tissues and make it more difficult for the alveoli to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Symptoms of the condition include shortness of breath, coughing, and a fever, but can also include turning blue in the face as your body's ability to oxygenate your blood decreases.
As the disease gets worse, it can begin to cause chest pain, swelling of the limbs, and a continuous shortness of breath. There is no cure and anyone who develops the condition is advised to never work with stone again.
Massachusetts' health officials warned: "In recent years, the disease has become more prevalent among stone fabrication workers due to the rise in popularity of countertops made from engineered stone (also known as quartz or artificial stone)."
However, rather than call for an outright ban on these materials as has taken place in Australia, figures at the Department of Health stressed that the incurable disease is preventable with the right precautionary steps.
Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said that 'silicosis is a devastating, life-altering disease and one that is also absolutely preventable.'
These preventative steps include wearing a respirator while working with stone, as well as using techniques like wet cutting and wet cleaning to prevent the silica from becoming airborne.