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First Cases and Recognition: 1997: First case diagnosed in Israel (Caesarstone worker). 2010-2012: Cases identified in Spain and Italy; exposure linked to quartz conglomerates. 2014: First reported case in North America (Texas). 2017-2019: […]

What is it? Artificial stone, also known as engineered stone, synthetic, quartz, or agglomerate, is a composite material made by binding crushed stone (primarily quartz) with adhesive, typically polyester resin. Invented in the […]

Early Knowledge: Centuries/Millennia: Evidence of occupational silicosis exists in ancient Egypt and Greece, impacting stonecutters, builders, and masons. 1556: Agricola identifies a lung disease affecting stonecutters and miners in his treatise on mining. […]

Stone Types: Natural stone: Basalt, dolomite, granite, limestone, marble, onyx, porcelain, quartzite, sandstone, serpentine, travertine. Artificial stone: Agglomerate, agglomerated stone, conglomerate, engineered stone, manufactured stone, quartz, reconstituted stone, synthetic stone. Silica Content: All […]

The sleek and modern appeal of artificial stone countertops has become a mainstay in home design. However, workers engaged in the fabrication and installation are suffering through an epidemic of silicosis. The risks […]

In the tapestry of healthcare access, some threads remain tragically thin, woven with fear and uncertainty. This is the story of undocumented immigrants, individuals who live and work within our communities, yet often […]

Hidden behind every gleaming engineered stone countertop lies a story. But for many of the workers who bring these surfaces to life, their stories are shrouded in fear and silence. These are the […]

If you or someone you know has been exposed to engineered stone and developed problems like silicosis or lung cancer, don’t wait to take action. There’s a deadline, called the statute of limitations, […]

Fabrication Workers: Economic: Lost income, future wages, pensions, medical expenses (including potential lung transplants). Non-Economic: Pain, mental suffering, lost enjoyment of life. Spouses get “loss of consortium” damages. Punitive: Punishment for intentional disregard […]