Medical Report Flags Artificial Stone as High-Risk Health Hazard

Led by Dr. Sheiphali A. Gandhi, the report details how artificial stone—which typically contains at least 90% crystalline silica—differs from natural materials. Beyond the silica content, these products include synthetic resins, dyes, and volatile organic compounds. During fabrication processes like cutting or polishing, these components release nano-sized particles that penetrate deep into lung tissue, triggering rapid fibrotic changes.

James Nevin, a partner at the law firm Brayton Purcell LLP, notes that the disease is characterized by short latency periods and high mortality rates, often requiring lung transplants in younger patients. While many facilities rely on wet cutting or ventilation to manage dust, the report argues these controls are insufficient. Because these methods fail to capture the most hazardous respirable particles, researchers now advocate for a shift toward the elimination or substitution of the material itself as the only reliable path to worker safety.