silicosis

(Newser) - Australia has become the first nation to ban the use of engineered stone following years of advocacy from doctors and unions who raised the alarm on its dangers to workers, reports the Guardian . A report from watchdog group Safe Work Australia this year found that stonemasons developed silicosis, a deadly...

(Newser) - An incurable lung disease called silicosis is on the rise among stone cutters, particularly young Latino immigrants concentrated in northern Los Angeles. The reason? Increasing demand for more engineered stone countertops, which contain higher levels of silica, the Los Angeles Times reports. And though the disease is not new,...