The joint OSHA/NIOSH hazard alert states that engineered-stone countertop work can generate respirable crystalline silica and that engineered stone typically contains more than 90% crystalline silica; worker exposure can cause silicosis and other serious disease.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: Engineered Stone and Silicosis: Identifying stone countertop fabrication companies ↗Dust entry
Engineered-stone dust
Respirable dust generated while manufacturing, finishing, cutting, grinding, or installing engineered-stone countertops.
Airborne form
dust
The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.
Health effects
silicosislung cancer riskchronic obstructive pulmonary diseasekidney disease riskautoimmune disease risk
Evidence
Controls
- wet methods
- local exhaust ventilation
- enclosed processes
- dust collection
- exposure monitoring
- medical surveillance
- appropriate respiratory protection