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MS International and the Stone Coalition

In an alarming revelation, MS International, a leading name in the stone industry, has come under fire for its dubious stance on safety practices and worker health, particularly in relation to silicosis, a severe lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust. A Paid Advertisement in the Los Angeles Times, funded by The Stone Coalition, boldly claims that "Illegal Cutting Processes, Not Stone Products, Can Cause Silicosis," a statement that not only misleads but dangerously underplays the inherent risks associated with stone products, especially engineered stone.

The Stone Coalition, a newly formed industry group, alleges to unite the quartz surface and natural stone industries in a bid to deflect liability from stone slab manufacturers and suppliers by unfairly shifting the blame onto the victims, their employers, and regulatory bodies. This stance is not only irresponsible but reveals a glaring disregard for the countless young, immigrant workers who have been irreversibly affected by the silicosis epidemic, particularly concentrated in areas like the San Fernando Valley.

The Coalition's website, with its hollow promises of promoting "safe, wet processing technology" and "compliance with OSHA air monitoring standards," stands in stark contrast to the industry's historical resistance to OSHA's Silica Standard. This duplicitous narrative is further exposed through the Coalition's failure to acknowledge the substantial evidence linking stone fabrication work with silicosis, regardless of whether "dry cutting" or "wet processing" methods are used.

Furthermore, the advertisement's claim that "Silicosis is preventable" through adherence to existing regulations is dangerously misleading. Recent studies and reports from reputable institutions like NIOSH have shown that even workers who follow recommended safety protocols, including the use of water-dispensing tools and particulate filter respirators, are still at risk of developing silicosis. This highlights a significant oversight in the industry's safety recommendations and underscores the necessity of more stringent protective measures, such as air-supplied respirators, which have not been adequately emphasized by stone product manufacturers.

MS International's endorsement of The Stone Coalition's misleading narratives not only undermines the severity of the silicosis crisis but also attempts to absolve the company of its responsibility towards ensuring the safety and health of workers. This approach is not only ethically questionable but also reflects poorly on the company's commitment to genuine corporate responsibility.

It is crucial that companies like MS International and industry groups like The Stone Coalition are held accountable for their role in perpetuating the silicosis epidemic. The focus should be on implementing effective safety measures, providing accurate and comprehensive information about the risks associated with stone fabrication, and supporting workers and small businesses in adhering to these practices.

The stone industry, including MS International and its affiliates, must prioritize the health and safety of its workers over profits and misleading public relations campaigns. It's time for MS International to step up and take concrete actions to protect its workers and rectify the misinformation spread by The Stone Coalition. The lives and well-being of countless individuals depend on it.