Artificial Stone

Source: ToI

Context: A recent study published in Thorax highlights the emergence of a severe form of silicosis—a lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust. This is attributed to the high silica content (over 90%) in artificial stone, compared to natural stones like marble and granite, which contain much less silica

About Artificial Stone:

• Artificial stone, also known as engineered stone or quartz, is widely used in kitchens due to its aesthetic appeal and durability. However, it poses significant health risks to workers involved in its cutting and polishing.

• Material Composition: Made from crushed rocks bound with resins. Contains over 90% silica, compared to 3% in marble and 30% in granite.

• Made from crushed rocks bound with resins.

• Contains over 90% silica, compared to 3% in marble and 30% in granite.

• Advantages: Aesthetic appeal: Smooth, polished look. Durability: More resistant to damage than natural stone. Ease of handling: Lacks natural imperfections found in natural stone.

• Aesthetic appeal: Smooth, polished look.

• Durability: More resistant to damage than natural stone.

• Ease of handling: Lacks natural imperfections found in natural stone.

• Health Risks: Generates fine silica dust when cut or polished. High risk of silicosis, a progressive lung disease caused by silica inhalation. Workers face increased risks due to dry cutting without dust suppression measures like water.

• Generates fine silica dust when cut or polished.

• High risk of silicosis, a progressive lung disease caused by silica inhalation.

• Workers face increased risks due to dry cutting without dust suppression measures like water.

• Thorax Study Findings: Documented eight cases of workers, average age 34, with severe lung disease. Conditions include lung transplants, autoimmune diseases, and lung infections.

• Documented eight cases of workers, average age 34, with severe lung disease.

• Conditions include lung transplants, autoimmune diseases, and lung infections.

• Preventive Measures: Use of water to suppress dust during cutting. Adoption of nasal filters and other technologies to minimize silica exposure. Advocating for stricter safety measures to protect workers.

• Use of water to suppress dust during cutting.

• Adoption of nasal filters and other technologies to minimize silica exposure.

• Advocating for stricter safety measures to protect workers.

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