People warn of dangers of DIY countertops as death toll rises

DIYers are being warned against installing their own smooth stone countertops in their homes due to the rise of a deadly health problem.

In recent years, engineered stone countertops have become increasingly popular, and imports of quartz surfaces into the United States increased by 800% between 2010 and 2018.

But the dust released when the stone is breathed in can cause irreversible scarring of the lungs, leaving people struggling with shortness of breath and painful coughing.

Known as silicosis or “black lung,” it is effectively a death sentence unless the person undergoes a lung transplant, which only allows them to live a handful of years.

If people want to install their own quartz countertops in their homes, Afif El-Hasan, a spokesperson for the American Lung Association, advises using THE appropriate safety equipment to prevent illness.

He told KSL NewsRadio, “Take (working on your own home) seriously, the same way a construction worker who comes to your home and works there would want to take their lung health seriously.”

Illinois-based stone distributor and specialist Granite Selection says the best way to cut quartz countertops is with a diamond-tipped circular saw.

When it comes to safety gear, experts recommend wearing a well-fitted N95 mask designed for construction.

DIYers are being warned of the dangers of cutting and installing their own smooth stone countertops at home, amid a potentially deadly health effect.

Silicosis appears on a CT scan as small, white nodules scattered throughout the lungs. Scan courtesy of radiopaedia.org

The CDC says the respirator filters at least 95 percent of airborne particles “but is not resistant to oil-based particles.”

They add: “Protective glasses are also essential to carry out this task, as fine dust can easily be thrown into the air.

“As cutting stones will also result in extremely strong vibrations, you will need earplugs to protect your ears.”

The growing popularity of artificial quartz has led to thousands of cases of “black lung” among construction workers.

Each year, more than 300 American workers die from silicosis and thousands more are diagnosed with lung disease.

Approximately 100,000 stone manufacturers in the United States are also at risk of silicosis due to exposure to dust.

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However, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) notes that this condition is “often misdiagnosed, so the actual numbers may be much higher.”

Until recent decades, silicosis traditionally affected older men working in industries such as mining and tunneling.

Made from 90% crushed quartz and 10% resins and pigments, engineered quartz countertops have grown in popularity because the material is less expensive than natural stone.

But it still has that glossy finish and durability that has become a must-have for modern kitchens.

This material debuted in the 1960s and was popularized in the 90s.

However, engineered stone materials can contain significantly more crystalline silica, with this silica dust being called the “next asbestos.”

El-Hasan says that because of this mix of toxic ingredients, it’s essential for DIYers to know what chemicals they’ll be working with before embarking on projects.

Once installed, the quartz countertops in your kitchen and bathroom present absolutely no health hazards.

Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez worked for years in stone manufacturing workshops where he constantly breathed invisible silica dust. It entered his lungs and caused scar tissue to build up there, permanently damaging his lungs. Since then, he has undergone two transplants

Above, Marek Marzec, from the United Kingdom, who was diagnosed with silicosis at the age of 48. He had spent a decade working with quartz countertops while working as a stonemason.

“Probably no risk for homeowners with quartz countertops. Exposure to dust only,” said Dr. David Center of Boston University.

Given the health risks associated with quartz dust, a growing number of victims, including construction workers, are suing stone manufacturers for failing to protect them.

One of those workers is Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez of California, 34, who underwent a double lung transplant after moving to the United States from Mexico and fitting out kitchens and bathrooms for wealthy Los Angeles County families. Orange.

He won at least $8 million, and possibly more, depending on what a judge decides next month, against companies that make and distribute engineered stone after the jury found they were at least partly responsible of the illness which left him in suffering and almost. death.

His lawyer, James Nevin, told DailyMail.com that he currently represents about 300 workers in California who suffered painful lung injuries as a result of their home improvement work.

Most of the victims are between 30 and 40 years old and will die within ten years.

Mr Nevin told DailyMail.com: “We’re seeing a prevalence rate of 92 per cent – most manufacturing workers will have silicosis… that’s just the tip of the iceberg. “