People warned about dangers of countertop DIY amid rising death toll
DIYers are being warned against installing their own slick stone countertops at home amid the rise of a fatal health condition.
In recent years, engineered stone countertops have become increasingly popular and quartz surface imports to the US increased 800 percent during 2010 to 2018.
But dust released when the stone is cut is breathed in can cause irreversible scarring to the lungs, leaving people struggling with shortness of breath and a painful cough.
Known as silicosis or ‘black lung’, it is effectively a death sentence unless the person undergoes lung transplants, which only buy them a handful of years.
If people are going to install their own quartz countertops at home Afif El-Hasan, a spokesperson for the American Lung Association, advises using the appropriate safety equipment to prevent illness.
He told KSL NewsRadio: ‘Take [working on your own house] seriously, just the same way a construction worker who’s coming to your house and working on it would want to take their lung health seriously.’
Illinois-based stone distributor and specialist Granite Selection says the best way of cutting quartz countertops is to use a circular saw with diamond tips.
On the topic of safety gear, experts recommend wearing a tight-fitting N95 mask that’s designed for construction.
DIYers are being warned about the dangers cutting and installing their own slick stone countertops at home amid a potentially fatal health effect
Silicosis appears on a CT scan as Scan as small white nodules scattered throughout the lungs. Scan courtesy of radiopaedia.org
The CDC says the respirator filters at least 95 percent of airborne particles ‘but is not resistant to oil-based particles’.
They add: ‘Protective goggles are also essential in carrying out this task as the fine dust can easily go airborne.
‘As cutting stones will also result in extremely loud vibrations, you’ll want earplugs to protect your ears.’
The growing popularity of engineered quartz has led to thousands of cases of ‘black lung’ among construction workers.
Each year, more than 300 US workers die from silicosis and thousands more are diagnosed with the lung disease.
An estimated 100,000 stone fabricators in the US are also at risk for silicosis because of dust exposure.
However, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) notes that the condition is ‘frequently misdiagnosed, so actual numbers may be quite higher’.
Until recent decades, silicosis traditionally affected older men working in industries such as mining and tunneling.
Composed of 90 percent ground quartz and 10 percent resins and pigments, engineered quartz countertops gained popularity because the material is less expensive than natural stone.
But it still has that glossy finish and durability that has become a must-have for modern kitchens.
The material debuted in the 1960s and was popularized in the 90s.
However, engineered stone materials may contain substantially more crystalline silica, with this silica dust being referred to as the ‘next asbestos’.
El-Hasan says hat because of this mix of toxic ingredients, it is essential for DIYers to find out what chemicals they will be working with before they tackle projects.
Once it is installed, the quartz countertops in your kitchen and bathroom pose absolutely no health hazard.
Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez worked in stone fabrication shops for years where he was constantly breathing in invisible silica dust. It permeated his lungs and caused a build up of scar tissue there, permanently damaging his lungs. He has since had two transplants
Above is Marek Marzec, from the UK, who has been diagnosed with silicosis at the age of 48 years. He had spent a decade working with quartz worktops while working as a stone cutter
‘Probably zero risk to homeowners with quartz counters. Dust exposure only,’ said Dr. David Center of Boston University.
In light of the health hazards regarding the quartz dust, an increasing number of victims – especially construction workers – are suing stone makers for failing to protect them.
One such worker is Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez of California, 34, who had double lung transplant after moving to the US from Mexico and fitting wealthy family kitchens and bathrooms across Orange County.
He won at least $8 million or possibly more, depending on what a judge decides within the next month, against businesses that make and distribute engineered stone after jury agreed that they were at least partially responsible for the illness that has left him in pain and near death.
His lawyer James Nevin told DailyMail.com that he currently represents around 300 workers in California who have sustained painful lung injuries as a result of doing their home improvement jobs.
Many of the victims are in their 30s and 40s and will die within about ten years.
Mr Nevin told DailyMail.com: ‘We’re finding a 92 percent prevalence rate – most fabrication workers will get silicosis… this is just the tip of the iceberg.’
Source link