Silica Testing Services

Engineered stone, commonly marketed as quartz countertops, has become one of the most popular materials used in modern kitchens and bathrooms. While valued for its durability and sleek appearance, the material is also drawing growing attention from occupational health experts due to serious health risks for workers who fabricate and install it.

Engineered stone is manufactured by combining crushed stone, pigments, and resin binders to create a dense surface. These products can contain more than 90 percent crystalline silica, significantly higher than most natural stone materials, including granite.

When engineered stone is cut, ground, or polished, extremely fine silica dust can be released into the air. Over time, inhaling this dust can cause silicosis, a severe and irreversible lung disease that scars the lungs and can lead to breathing failure. Silicosis is also associated with lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other serious health complications.

Health officials have reported a growing number of silicosis cases among countertop fabrication workers in recent years. The California Department of Public Health has documented hundreds of cases among countertop workers since 2019, including multiple deaths and lung transplants linked to the disease.

In response, federal and state agencies have issued warnings and increased oversight. OSHA also continues to enforce its respirable crystalline silica standard and has launched targeted inspection initiatives focused on engineered stone fabrication shops.

“Silicosis is entirely preventable when proper exposure monitoring and dust control strategies are in place,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Employers need accurate testing data and the right tools to evaluate airborne silica levels and protect workers before serious health effects occur.”

EMSL Analytical, Inc., a leading provider of environmental and industrial hygiene laboratory services, offers crystalline silica testing to help identify and quantify respirable silica in air samples. Their nationwide network of laboratories supports industrial hygienists, safety professionals, and employers with reliable analytical services, sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to evaluate exposures and help maintain regulatory compliance. EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about engineered stone and silicosis risks that can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/8ebS7FJoQUU

To learn more about crystalline silica testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.