Keep workers safe from exposure to silica dust
July 14, 2026
DYK? English/Español - OSHA
Did You Know?

The manufacturing, finishing, and installing of natural and engineered stone countertop products can expose workers to health hazards from silica dust. This can lead to serious and life-threatening illnesses including silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease.

Exposure can be prevented by using a combination of protective measures, such as:
  • Wet methods that apply water at the point where silica dust is made;
  • Local exhaust ventilation that removes silica dust at or near the point where it is made; and
  • Enclosures that separate workers from the dust or isolate the work process.

¿Sabías?

La fabricación, el acabado y la instalación de productos de encimeras de piedra natural y de piedra de ingeniería pueden exponer a los trabajadores a riesgos para la salud debido al polvo de sílice. Esto puede provocar enfermedades graves y potencialmente mortales, como la silicosis, el cáncer de pulmón, la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) y la enfermedad renal.

La exposición puede prevenirse mediante el uso de una combinación de medidas de protección, tales como:
  • Métodos húmedos que aplican agua en el punto donde se genera el polvo de sílice;
  • Ventilación de extracción local que elimina el polvo de sílice en o cerca del punto donde se genera; y
  • Cerramientos que separan a los trabajadores del polvo o aíslan el proceso de trabajo.

Exposure to silica dust can be prevented by using a combination of protective measures, such as wet methods that apply water at the point where silica dust is made.



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