People who make and install artificial stone countertops can develop pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring), a severe lung disease that can worsen even after workers leave their jobs.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting pulmonary fibrosis and silicosis induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis after working with artificial stone countertops or floors, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Disease Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Linked to Quartz Countertops & Engineered Stone Workers
Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that is caused by breathing silica dust. Unfortunately, silicosis and pulmonary fibrosis is becoming far more common due to a growing demand for artificial stone countertops and floors — also known as “quartz countertops.”
Artificial Stone Silicosis Rapidly Progresses to Pulmonary Fibrosis After Workers Leave Their Jobs
In June 2020, a study raised alarm about the rapidly-worsening lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis) for workers who stopped making and installing engineered quartz countertops.
“Artificial stone silicosis rapidly progresses to pulmonary fibrosis even following exposure cessation, and a significant percentage of patients experience a very rapid decrease in lung function.”
What is the Risk?
The study found that silicosis from breathing silica dust frequently progressed quickly to severe pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring). Lung damage also continued to worsen after the workers left their jobs.
In the study, 6.6% of workers were initially diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis — but at the follow-up exam, 38% had pulmonary fibrosis, even though they left their jobs and were not breathing silica dust.
“In a quarter of the patients, the rate of decline in lung capacity progressed very rapidly,” explained lead investigator, Antonio León-Jiménez, PhD.
The study, “Silicosis: Ominous resurgence of an occupational lung condition reported” was published in the journal CHEST.
What is Silicosis?
Silicosis is traditionally linked to mining or pottery work. It is caused by breathing silica dust, which causes permanent lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis). In past decade, silicosis has become more common because artificial stone countertops are made of 90% silica.
What is Artificial Stone?
Artificial stone is made of finely-crushed stone mixed with synthetic resins and has at least 90% silica content. The stone releases tiny particles of silica dust when it is being fabricated or manufactured, as well as during cutting, shaping, polishing, finishing, and installation.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Shortness of breath, particularly during exercise
- Dry, hacking cough
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Gradual unintended weight loss
- Tiredness
- Aching joints and muscles
- Clubbing (widening and rounding) of the tips of the fingers or toes
Symptoms of Pulmonary Fibrosis: American Lung Association
Do I have a Pulmonary Fibrosis Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting pulmonary fibrosis and silicosis induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis after working with artificial stone countertops or floors, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Disease Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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