Severe Silicosis in Engineered Stone Fabrication Workers - US and Global Perspectives

Respirable crystalline silica exposure causes silicosis, a disabling and sometimes fatal lung disease. Over the past several years, hundreds of cases of silicosis (many with severe progressive disease) have been reported worldwide among workers who cut, polish and grind countertops made of engineered ("artificial") stone. The first cluster of silicosis - including two fatalities in California - was reported by Dr. Robert Harrison and colleagues in September 2019 among engineered stone fabrication workers in four States. Several cases also had autoimmune disease and latent tuberculosis infection. Dr. Harrison will describe the identification of the outbreak in the US, implications for clinical practice, and recommendations for prevention.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-zVty3zhLc
 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-11/calls-for-national-