Virtual Fall Summit Encore 2023-Lung Disease Caused by Engineered Stone

Lung Disease Caused by Engineered Stone - Dr. Harrison

Pdf Summary

Lung disease caused by engineered stone is an emerging threat that has been identified by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Cases of silicosis, a lung disease caused by exposure to silica dust, have been reported in workers employed at stone countertop fabrication shops. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set standards for employers to control exposure to silica dust, including determining the amount of exposure, implementing dust controls and safer work measures, providing medical exams for workers, and keeping records of exposures and medical exams. However, a study found that a significant number of companies had exposures above the permissible exposure limit set by OSHA.<br /><br />Worker interviews revealed that many were young and had been working for several years, cutting stone dry without receiving silica medical exams. This has resulted in cases of silicosis presenting differently, with a higher percentage of progressive massive fibrosis and fatalities compared to the usual "simple" silicosis.<br /><br />To address this issue, efforts are being made to promote product substitution, conduct community, employer, and worker outreach, enforce regulations, provide education and assistance, offer medical testing, and encourage case reporting. Social media outreach is also being utilized to raise awareness.<br /><br />The CDPH, CalOSHA, and LA County have formed a partnership to collectively address this issue. CalOSHA has implemented an emergency temporary standard for respirable crystalline silica, which includes trigger tasks, wet methods, regulated areas, medical testing, and the use of powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs).<br /><br />The issue of lung disease caused by engineered stone is not specific to California but is a global concern. Factors contributing to the problem include global migration, international capital flow, and the use of new technologies. Efforts are needed on both national and international levels to address this growing threat and protect workers from the harmful effects of silica exposure.

Keywords

Lung disease

Engineered stone

Silicosis

California Department of Public Health

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Exposure to silica dust

Respirable crystalline silica

Worker safety

Medical exams

Global concern