Silicosis in Massachusetts

Silicosis is a serious, progressive lung disease caused by breathing in tiny particles of crystalline silica dust. Although silicosis has long been associated with mining, construction, and masonry, new cases are now emerging among workers who cut, grind, polish, and install stone countertops, especially engineered stone, also known as quartz or artificial stone.

In Massachusetts, silicosis cases are just beginning to come to light. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recently confirmed the state’s first known silicosis case involving a 40-year-old stone countertop fabrication worker who had been working in the industry for 14 years. Public health officials have warned that additional cases may exist but remain undiagnosed.

Workers in the stone countertop fabrication industry tend to be young or middle-aged men, and many are members of immigrant communities. For some, the risks are made worse by language barriers, limited access to health care, immigration-related concerns, and the pressure to keep working even when symptoms appear. Those barriers can delay diagnosis and make it harder for workers and families to seek help. At Shepard O’Donnell, we understand that workers who become sick from preventable workplace exposures deserve answers, support, and accountability.

What Is Silicosis?

Silicosis is an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust, a tiny, natural mineral found in sand, quartz, granite, and engineered stone. When these materials are mined, cut, drilled, or crushed, the resulting dust particles are so small that workers may not see them in the air. Once breathed in, they can become trapped deep in the lungs and cause permanent scarring.

Over time, this scarring can make it harder to breathe and may lead to serious disability or death. Silicosis can also increase the risk of other lung diseases, including lung cancer and tuberculosis.

What Are The Symptoms Of Silicosis?

Silicosis can take years to develop, which means workers may not connect their symptoms to jobs they held long ago. Early symptoms can be mistaken for asthma, bronchitis, smoking-related illness, or general fatigue.

Common symptoms may include:

• Persistent cough
• Mucus or phlegm
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Difficulty breathing during work or daily activities
• Swelling in the legs
• Bluish lips or skin in advanced cases

Because silicosis is progressive, early diagnosis matters. Workers who have been exposed to silica dust should speak with a qualified health care provider and explain their work history in detail.

Who is at Risk for Silicosis in Massachusetts?

Silicosis is not yet as widely recognized as mesothelioma, but the pattern is concerning. Public health officials in Massachusetts have warned that the first confirmed case among stone countertop workers may not be the only one. Other states, including California, have reported increasing numbers of silicosis cases and deaths among relatively young workers in the engineered stone industry. Engineered stone is particularly concerning because it can contain more than 90 percent silica, far more than many natural stones.

Workers may be at risk if they have worked with:

• Engineered stone or quartz countertops
• Granite, marble, or other stone products
• Concrete, brick, mortar, or masonry materials
• Sand, stone, or silica-containing construction materials

Exposure is especially dangerous when employers fail to use proper safety controls. No worker should develop a life-changing lung disease because an employer failed to control a known workplace hazard.

Employer Responsibility for Silica Dust Exposure

Silicosis is preventable. Employers in industries involving silica dust are responsible for taking steps to protect workers. Depending on the workplace, that may include:

• Using wet cutting methods
• Installing effective ventilation and dust collection systems
• Avoiding dry sweeping or other practices that put dust back into the air
• Monitoring silica dust levels
• Providing proper respiratory protection measures
• Training workers in their preferred language
• Creating a written exposure control plan
• Providing medical surveillance for exposed workers

When employers fail to follow safety rules or ignore known hazards, workers can pay the price with their health. If employers

Can I File a Silicosis Legal Claim?

You may have a potential legal claim if you or a loved one was diagnosed with silicosis after working in stone fabrication, countertop installation, construction, masonry, demolition, or another trade involving silica dust.

Important questions to ask include:

• Where did you work where you might have been exposed?
• Did your job involve cutting, grinding, polishing, drilling, or sweeping dust?
• Did your employer provide protection against inhaling the dust?
• Were you trained about the risks of silica exposure?
• Were you ever offered medical screening for silica exposure?
• When did your symptoms begin?
• Has a doctor evaluated your lung condition?

Even if you are unsure where the exposure happened, or even if you worked for multiple employers, it may still be worth speaking with an attorney.

Legal Help for Workers With Silicosis

Silicosis cases can be complicated. They often require a careful review of work history, medical records, jobsite conditions, safety practices, and the products or materials used. 

Shepard O’Donnell represents individuals and their families harmed by serious and preventable toxic exposures. We take the time to listen, investigate what happened, and help families understand their options.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with silicosis, call us for a free case evaluation to help you understand whether you may have a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Silicosis Claims

What causes silicosis?

Silicosis is caused by breathing in crystalline silica dust. This dust is released when workers cut, grind, drill, polish, or crush materials such as engineered stone, granite, concrete, brick, mortar, and sand.

Why is engineered stone especially dangerous?

Engineered stone, often sold as quartz or artificial stone, can contain very high levels of silica. When it is cut or polished, it can release dangerous dust that workers may breathe into their lungs.

Is silicosis curable?

No. Silicosis is incurable and progressive. However, early diagnosis, medical care, and avoiding further silica exposure may help slow the disease and protect the worker’s remaining lung function.

Can I have silicosis even if I stopped working with stone years ago?

Yes. Silicosis can have a long latency period, meaning symptoms may not appear until years after exposure. A detailed work history is important for diagnosis and for any potential legal claim.

Can family members bring a claim if a worker dies from silicosis?

In some cases, surviving family members may be able to pursue a legal claim after a silicosis-related death. These cases depend on the facts, including the worker’s job history, diagnosis, and exposure evidence.

How can a lawyer help with a silicosis case?

A lawyer can investigate where and how the exposure happened, review medical and employment records, identify responsible parties, and explain whether compensation may be available.