Workers involved in manufacturing, finishing, and installing natural and
manufactured stone countertops are at risk for significant crystalline silica
exposure. Crystalline silica commonly occurs in nature as the mineral quartz,
and is found in granite, sandstone, quartzite, various other rocks, and sand.
Workers who inhale very small crystalline silica particles are at risk for
silicosis - an incurable, progressively disabling and sometimes fatal lung
disease.

The U.S. American Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have published
important documents that provide information on exposures to silica during
stone countertop manufacturing and related health risks.

More information

AplusA-online.de - Source: Centre for Occupational Health and Safety