Rising Silicosis Risk from Engineered Stone Fabrication Highlights the Need for Workplace Safety Measures in Puerto Rico

Zimmetry Environmental, Puerto Rico’s premier industrial hygiene and environmental consulting firm, is calling on employers in the construction, stone fabrication, and countertop industries to address the growing risk of silicosis among workers who handle engineered stone products.

Engineered stone, commonly used in kitchen and bathroom countertops, can contain extremely high levels of crystalline silica. Cutting, grinding, or polishing these materials can release fine respirable silica dust into the air. Workers who inhale these microscopic particles face a significantly increased risk of developing silicosis, a serious and irreversible lung disease that can lead to chronic respiratory problems, disability, and premature death.

Recent studies in the United States and internationally have documented a sharp increase in silicosis cases among engineered stone workers, often developing after only a few years of exposure when proper dust controls and respiratory protection were not in place.

“Engineered stone can contain more than 90 percent crystalline silica, which makes proper exposure control absolutely critical,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Without adequate ventilation, dust suppression, exposure monitoring, personal protective equipment, and worker training, employees can face serious long-term health consequences.”

Employers also face regulatory obligations to protect workers from respirable crystalline silica exposure under applicable occupational health and safety standards. Compliance requires evaluating airborne dust concentrations, implementing engineering controls, providing proper respiratory protection, and training employees on safe work practices.

Zimmetry Environmental offers comprehensive industrial hygiene services to help employers protect their workforce while maintaining regulatory compliance. Services include workplace exposure monitoring, hazard assessments, ventilation and engineering control evaluations, respiratory protection program development, and employee training. Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video on engineered stone and silicosis risks, available at https://youtu.be/8ebS7FJoQUU

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their industrial hygiene, air quality, compliance, and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005, or email info@zimmetry.com.

About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals, and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs, and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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