Blog

M S INTERNATIONAL, INC. Omitted Safety Warnings for Stone Products

M S International, Inc., widely recognized as MSI or International, represents itself as a leading distributor of natural stone and surfacing materials in the United States, boasting a history that purportedly began in 1975. Its sprawling corporate presence, with headquarters in Orange, California, and distribution centers strategically positioned across the nation, paints a picture of a company deeply entrenched in the importation and distribution of a diverse array of surfacing products. The narrative MSI crafts on its website celebrates a journey of expansion and diversification, led by founders Manu and Rika Shah, and subsequently propelled forward by a new generation intent on scaling the company's reach and product offerings well beyond natural stone from India.

The company's timeline, as detailed on its own platform, highlights strategic moves to Southern California to capitalize on distribution advantages, an early focus on the residential and commercial potential of natural stone, and ambitious expansions that positioned MSI as a significant player on the global stage. The narrative is one of relentless growth, with milestones marked by the opening of new distribution centers and the broadening of product lines to include not just stone from India but also materials sourced from Brazil, China, Turkey, Italy, Spain, and Mexico.

However, beneath this veneer of success and expansion lies a troubling omission that raises significant ethical and health concerns. Reports and industry seminars, such as those hosted by MSI, shed light on the company's awareness of the dangers posed by silica dust in the stone fabricating industry. Silica dust, when inhaled, can lead to silicosis, a debilitating and potentially fatal lung disease. Despite this knowledge, MSI's public-facing materials, including its installation guidelines for products like Premium Natural Quartz, conspicuously lack any mention of the necessary protective measures to safeguard workers from the risks of respirable crystalline silica.

This glaring omission is not just an oversight; it is a failure to acknowledge and address a critical health hazard associated with the products MSI distributes. The company's vast network of distribution centers and its influence over the supply chain place it in a unique position to champion safety standards and educate its clients—particularly the fabricators and installers who handle these materials daily—about the importance of respiratory protection and safe handling practices.

The absence of clear safety guidelines and warnings about the risks of silica exposure in MSI's communications is a stark contradiction to the company's portrayal of itself as an industry leader. It raises questions about the company's commitment to the well-being of the workers who are integral to the fabrication and installation of its products. This oversight not only undermines MSI's credibility but also highlights a broader issue within the industry regarding the prioritization of profit over people's health and safety.

As MSI continues to expand and celebrate its milestones, it is imperative that the company reevaluates its approach to health and safety communications. True leadership in the industry requires a commitment to transparency, education, and the proactive protection of all individuals who come into contact with potentially hazardous materials. Without this commitment, MSI's legacy will be tarnished by the very real human cost of its omissions, casting a long shadow over its achievements and challenging the integrity of its mission and values.