Home countertop projects: could they be deadly?
- Replies 0
Home improvement projects can be incredibly rewarding, but some may come with hidden dangers. Installing stone countertops, in particular, has raised serious safety concerns.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.
DIY (Do It Yourself) refers to taking on home improvement projects without professional help, allowing you to save money and personalize your space.
Many people enjoy tackling tasks like installing kitchen countertops on their own, especially when updating their kitchens.
However, these projects can come with risks, so it’s important to understand the safety and skill required before starting.
The rise of engineered stone countertops has brought a sleek and modern aesthetic into many American homes.
Their popularity is undeniable, with quartz surface imports to the US skyrocketing by 800 percent from 2010 to 2018.
But beneath the polished surface lies a hidden danger that has been claiming lives: silicosis, also known as “black lung.”
This fatal health condition is caused by inhaling the fine dust that is released when cutting stone, leading to irreversible scarring of the lungs.
Symptoms include shortness of breath and a painful cough, and the only respite, albeit temporary, is a lung transplant.
The condition has historically affected workers in industries like mining and tunneling, but now, it's striking those who handle engineered stone, including DIY enthusiasts.
Afif El-Hasan, a spokesperson for the American Lung Association, urges those considering DIY countertop installation to take their lung health seriously and use appropriate safety equipment.
The CDC recommends wearing a tight-fitting N95 mask that filters at least 95 percent of airborne particles, protective goggles to shield eyes from fine dust, and earplugs to protect against loud vibrations.
Granite Selection, an Illinois-based stone distributor, advises that the best way to cut quartz countertops is with a circular saw equipped with diamond tips.
However, even with the right tools, the risk of exposure to silica dust remains high.
Engineered stone countertops, composed of 90 percent ground quartz and 10 percent resins and pigments, may contain higher levels of crystalline silica than natural stone.
This has led some to refer to silica dust as the “next asbestos,” a nod to the devastating health impacts of asbestos exposure that were revealed decades ago.
Dr. David Center of Boston University reassures homeowners that once installed, quartz countertops pose “probably zero risk.”
The danger lies in the installation process and the dust it generates.
The growing popularity of engineered quartz has led to thousands of cases of silicosis among construction workers, with more than 300 US workers dying from the disease each year.
An estimated 100,000 stone fabricators in the US are at risk due to dust exposure, and the condition is often misdiagnosed, suggesting that the actual numbers may be much higher.
Legal battles are unfolding as victims, particularly construction workers, sue stone makers for failing to protect them.
Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez, a stone fabricator who underwent two lung transplants, won a significant lawsuit against businesses that make and distribute engineered stone.
His lawyer, James Nevin, represents around 300 workers in California with similar injuries, many of whom are expected to die within a decade.
For our readers over 60, who may be considering home improvement projects, the message is clear: proceed with caution.
While the allure of DIY can be strong, the health risks associated with installing stone countertops are not to be underestimated.
If you're set on upgrading your kitchen or bathroom with these materials, consider hiring professionals who are trained and equipped to handle the dangers of silica dust.
And for those who have already installed these countertops, rest assured that your installed surfaces are safe. The risk is confined to the installation process itself.
Remember, your health is irreplaceable.
When it comes to home projects, let's prioritize safety just as much as aesthetics. Together, we can continue to enjoy the fruits of our labor without compromising our well-being.
Have you or someone you know been affected by silicosis? Do you have any tips for safe DIY practices? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.
DIY (Do It Yourself) refers to taking on home improvement projects without professional help, allowing you to save money and personalize your space.
Many people enjoy tackling tasks like installing kitchen countertops on their own, especially when updating their kitchens.
However, these projects can come with risks, so it’s important to understand the safety and skill required before starting.
The rise of engineered stone countertops has brought a sleek and modern aesthetic into many American homes.
Their popularity is undeniable, with quartz surface imports to the US skyrocketing by 800 percent from 2010 to 2018.
DIY enthusiasts are being cautioned about the dangers of installing their own quartz countertops due to the health risks. Image source: Curtis Adams/Pexels.
But beneath the polished surface lies a hidden danger that has been claiming lives: silicosis, also known as “black lung.”
This fatal health condition is caused by inhaling the fine dust that is released when cutting stone, leading to irreversible scarring of the lungs.
Symptoms include shortness of breath and a painful cough, and the only respite, albeit temporary, is a lung transplant.
The condition has historically affected workers in industries like mining and tunneling, but now, it's striking those who handle engineered stone, including DIY enthusiasts.
Afif El-Hasan, a spokesperson for the American Lung Association, urges those considering DIY countertop installation to take their lung health seriously and use appropriate safety equipment.
The CDC recommends wearing a tight-fitting N95 mask that filters at least 95 percent of airborne particles, protective goggles to shield eyes from fine dust, and earplugs to protect against loud vibrations.
Granite Selection, an Illinois-based stone distributor, advises that the best way to cut quartz countertops is with a circular saw equipped with diamond tips.
However, even with the right tools, the risk of exposure to silica dust remains high.
Engineered stone countertops, composed of 90 percent ground quartz and 10 percent resins and pigments, may contain higher levels of crystalline silica than natural stone.
This has led some to refer to silica dust as the “next asbestos,” a nod to the devastating health impacts of asbestos exposure that were revealed decades ago.
Dr. David Center of Boston University reassures homeowners that once installed, quartz countertops pose “probably zero risk.”
The danger lies in the installation process and the dust it generates.
The growing popularity of engineered quartz has led to thousands of cases of silicosis among construction workers, with more than 300 US workers dying from the disease each year.
An estimated 100,000 stone fabricators in the US are at risk due to dust exposure, and the condition is often misdiagnosed, suggesting that the actual numbers may be much higher.
Legal battles are unfolding as victims, particularly construction workers, sue stone makers for failing to protect them.
Legal action is being taken by affected workers against stone manufacturers for failing to provide adequate protection. Image source: Public Health Watch.
Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez, a stone fabricator who underwent two lung transplants, won a significant lawsuit against businesses that make and distribute engineered stone.
His lawyer, James Nevin, represents around 300 workers in California with similar injuries, many of whom are expected to die within a decade.
For our readers over 60, who may be considering home improvement projects, the message is clear: proceed with caution.
While the allure of DIY can be strong, the health risks associated with installing stone countertops are not to be underestimated.
If you're set on upgrading your kitchen or bathroom with these materials, consider hiring professionals who are trained and equipped to handle the dangers of silica dust.
And for those who have already installed these countertops, rest assured that your installed surfaces are safe. The risk is confined to the installation process itself.
Remember, your health is irreplaceable.
When it comes to home projects, let's prioritize safety just as much as aesthetics. Together, we can continue to enjoy the fruits of our labor without compromising our well-being.
