Occupational Health

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said Tuesday it has confirmed the state’s first case of silicosis tied to engineered stone (quartz) countertop fabrication, involving a 40-year-old man who spent 14 years cutting, grinding and polishing stone. DPH warned the incurable, progressive lung disease is preventable and urged employers to adopt controls such as wet cutting and ventilation, noting engineered stone can contain over 90% silica and carries higher risk than many natural stones; the agency expects more cases given long disease latency.