Understanding Silica Dust Risks

At Humphrey, Farrington & McClain, we believe that informed clients make empowered decisions. This page is a comprehensive resource for workers, contractors, and families affected by exposure to silica dust from quartz countertops. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or exploring your legal options, this page offers key facts, health information, legal updates, and support tools.

What Is Silica Dust and Where Is It Found?

Crystalline silica is a mineral commonly found in engineered stone, especially quartz countertops. While natural stone like granite contains silica, engineered quartz has a much higher silica content—often more than 90%.

When workers cut, grind, or polish quartz countertops, they release microscopic silica dust into the air. Without proper ventilation or respiratory protection, these fine particles are inhaled deep into the lungs, leading to serious and irreversible health effects.

Who Is At Risk?

You may be at risk of silica dust exposure if you have worked in any of the following roles:

• Countertop fabricators
• Installation crews
• Stonecutters
• Remodelers and contractors
• Shop workers in poorly ventilated facilities
• Apprentices or laborers with indirect exposure

Many workers in these roles were never warned of the risks or were given inadequate protective gear, even as manufacturers knew or should have known of the dangers.

Silica Exposure and Health Risks

Long-term or high-intensity exposure to silica dust can cause:

Silicosis

A progressive and often fatal lung disease. It can be chronic, accelerated, or acute, depending on exposure levels.

Lung Cancer

Silica dust has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Autoimmune Disorders

Including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and systemic sclerosis.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Exposure can significantly worsen breathing and reduce life expectancy.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For Silica-related illness often develops silently.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent coughing
• Shortness of breath, even at rest
• Chest pain
• Fatigue

Frequent lung infections

If you’ve worked around quartz countertops and experienced any of these symptoms, you should seek medical and legal help immediately.

Legal Rights of Injured Workers

Our firm represents individuals who were exposed to silica dust through no fault of their own. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages or disability
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death (for surviving families)

We’re investigating cases where workers were not warned, not provided adequate respirators, or where shop owners failed to implement wet-cutting or proper ventilation systems.